Maple Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of maple syrup, tender cake-like cookies, and a creamy filling. These hand-held desserts hold a special place in the hearts of many, offering a sweet and nostalgic taste of tradition. Join us on a journey through history as we explore the origins of these delectable pies and provide you with a detailed recipe to create your own Maple Whoopie Pies at home.
The origins of Whoopie Pies are a subject of debate, with both New England and Pennsylvania Amish communities claiming them as their own. Regardless of their precise origin, Whoopie Pies have been cherished in the United States for generations.
The term “Whoopie Pie” likely comes from the enthusiastic exclamation of those who enjoyed them. When children discovered these sweet treats in their lunchboxes or around the family table, they would shout “Whoopie!” in delight.
Maple syrup, a quintessential American ingredient, plays a starring role in this variation of the classic Whoopie Pie. Maple sugaring has a rich history in North America, with Indigenous peoples and early settlers tapping maple trees for their sweet sap. The tradition of making maple syrup and using it in culinary creations like Maple Whoopie Pies has endured over the centuries.
Today, these delectable pies are enjoyed throughout the United States and have even made their way into the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. They continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, representing a sweet slice of American culinary history.
INGREDIENTS
For the Maple Whoopie Pie Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Maple Cream Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Maple Whoopie Pie Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly add the maple syrup to the butter mixture, mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should have 24 cookies in total.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and spring back when gently touched.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Maple Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the filling is light and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Pair up the cooled cookies so that each one has a matching partner in terms of size.
- Spread a generous dollop of the maple cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with the flat side of another cookie to create a Maple Whoopie Pie.
- Repeat this process until you’ve filled all of the cookies.
- Your Maple Whoopie Pies are now ready to be enjoyed. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
Maple Whoopie Pies are a delicious testament to the enduring love for sweet treats and the rich heritage of maple syrup in North America. Whether shared at family gatherings, enjoyed as an afternoon snack, or savored with a cup of coffee, these delightful pies offer a taste of tradition and warmth in every bite.
