Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

• 1 box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients listed on box
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring, if desired

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract and eggs until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. To make the frosting, beat the butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, peppermint extract and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add food coloring, if desired.
8. Place a spoonful of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
9. Repeat with remaining cookies and frosting.

Interesting Facts

• The first whoopie pies were created in the 1920s by a Pennsylvania Amish woman.
• Red velvet cake is traditionally made with cocoa powder and a small amount of red food coloring.
• Peppermint extract is made from the essential oils of peppermint leaves.