Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Last week my dad made a special request for whoopie pies, so I decided to make a red velvet version. I was so impressed with how easy they are to make and I can't wait to try them again, especially around the holidays.

Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients:
For the cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter substitute, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• red food coloring, to your preference

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 5 tablespoons butter subtitute, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  
  
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
  
  
• In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the butter substitute, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
  
  
• Gradually add in half of the flour mixture and the buttermilk to keep the batter from drying out. Once completely mixed, add in the other half of the flour mixture.
  
  
• Stir in the food coloring.
  
  
• Using a medium sized ice cream scoop, place the batter on the prepared baking sheets, about an inch apart.
  
  
• Bake 7-9 minutes, until the tops are set, and allow to cool completely on the baking sheets.
  
  
• While the cookies are baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter substitute and vanilla and beat until smooth.
  
  
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until thoroughly combined.
  
  
• Use the same cookie scoop to place the filling on the flat side of one cookie.
  
  
• Top with another cookie to form a pie.