If you grew up anywhere between Pennsylvania and Maine, you are probably familiar with the splendor of the counter-sold whoopie pie, a delight I am told does not exist far beyond New England. Growing up in Massachusetts meant begging my dad for one of the marshmallow-filled treats sold at the counters of shops all over town whenever we ran errands. Although the answer was usually no, I was imbued with an abiding love for all things whoopie. These whoopie pies have grown up a bit: enter espresso powder and a creamy peanut butter frosting and you have the classic whoopie, college-style.

Medium

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 18 whoopie pies

Ingredients:
Whoopie pies:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
4 tablespoons instant coffee powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons milk

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, coffee and salt in a bowl.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

3. Beat together the butter, shortening and brown sugar until just smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and the vanilla and beat for two more minutes.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

4. Add half the milk and half the dry ingredient mixture and beat for two more minutes or until just incorporated.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

5. Add the rest of the milk and the rest of the dry ingredients and beat until completely combined.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

6. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto the parchment paper, about two inches apart. Bake for 6-8 minutes.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

7. To make the frosting, combine powdered sugar, butter, peanut butter and milk in a large bowl and beat until completely combined.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

8. Assemble sandwiches.

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Photo by Katelyn Jones

Recipes adapted from Whoopie Pies and Lovin’ From the Oven.

Looking for more chocolate, coffee and peanut buttery goodness?