Whoopie pies were a big deal when I was growing up, and they seem to be making a comeback. I remember when I was in high school, I went to my best friend’s house and we made them together. It was that marshmallow cream filling that really did it for me. I couldn’t get enough, or so I thought. I also remember eating so many that I made myself sick. Just like getting sick off of alcohol, that basically kept me away from whoopie pies for years. Even the smell of them made me a little queasy.
Now they are back with a vengeance – you can go to stores and buy special whoopie pie pans, and at the auction we were at this winter, the basket of whoopie pies were one of the items that went the quickest. Now you can get them in all flavors, and I must say – they no longer make me sick… I saw this recipe in Bon Appetit, and even though the title did not have the word whoopie anywhere, it was written all over the recipe when I read it. I had to give these a try, just to see – and yes, these were definitely whoopie pie-ish. A nice soft cookie, with a creamy and fluffy filling – the perfect dessert you can eat with your hands – and boy did the girls love these, even my older one that doesn’t like cream cheese frosting. A big hit, all the way around!
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (packed) finely grated peeled carrots (from 10 to 12 ounces; grated on small holes of box grater)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Preparation
Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 3 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment. Place raisins and oats in small bowl; add 1/4 cup water. Let soak until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Beat butter and both sugars in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in egg, then carrots. Add flour and cinnamon; beat to blend. Stir in raisin-oat mixture and 1/2 cup nuts (batter will be sticky). Drop batter by level tablespoonfuls onto sheets, spacing 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart.
Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until light golden, about 20 minutes (cookies will be soft). Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks and cool completely.
Icing
Beat all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth. Spread icing on cookies.
For a printer-friendly version of this recipe, please click here: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
You know I’ve never had a whoopie pie before. I too have seen them making a comeback. I’m not a big chocolate fan, so this recipe is a good option for me. I do love carrot cake. :)
these look SO good! perfect combination!
just had a similar whoopie pie at corner bakery last night…they are making a comeback!
i’ll have to try these!!
Just discovered your blog! I love whoopie pies and grew up eating them. Glad you are able to eat them again! I’ve made a pumpkin version in the fall that is quite good. We are carrot cake fans so I’ll have to try yours.
These are too cute! And they sound wonderful! I’ve got to get myself to make some soon as I’ve yet to try my hand at any whoopie pies.
Mmm, I love carrot cake and these look so cute! Yum :)
Whoopie Pies are the Red Velvet Cake of 2011!
“Place raisins & oats…”
Erm, what raisins?
Oops – forgot to mention that I didn’t put them in. If you follow my blog, you know I can’t stand raisins in pretty much anything…
I tried these because I love carrot cake and these seemed easier than making a cake and then having to cut the cake, etc. They are really good and I think healthier to boot.
Glad you liked them Bonnie!