Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary citrus celebration! These Orange Cream Whoopie Pies are not just a treat; they're a sensational burst of flavor that combines the bright, zesty notes of orange with a creamy, decadent filling. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking to impress, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful twist on the classic whoopie pie that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 whoopie pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the whoopie pies from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the scoop or a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the whoopie pie cookies are cooling, prepare the orange cream filling. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and orange extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, pair them up based on size and shape. Spread a generous amount of the orange cream filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
- Repeat this process until all cookies are filled. For an extra touch, you can dust the finished whoopie pies with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
- Serve the orange cream whoopie pies immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Zest with Care: When adding orange zest, use only the bright orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the whoopie pies light and tender.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes, which helps create perfect sandwich pairs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting.
- Make Ahead: These whoopie pies can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container for maximum convenience.
- Customize: Experiment with garnishes like chocolate drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
