# Components:
→ Chocolate Whoopie Pies
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Coffee Mascarpone Filling
11 - 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, chilled
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
15 - 1 tablespoon hot water
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Assembly
17 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk in thirds, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop 24 mounds of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until cakes spring back lightly when touched. Cool on pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack until completely cooled.
08 - Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water and allow to cool to room temperature.
09 - In a bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and thick, taking care not to overbeat. Fold in cooled espresso and vanilla extract until just combined. Chill for 20 minutes if filling appears too soft.
10 - Spread or pipe generous amount of coffee mascarpone filling onto flat side of half the cooled cookies. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
11 - Dust cookie tops with unsweetened cocoa powder. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to achieve optimal texture.