### How to Make Delicious Brownie Cookie Whoopie Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whoopie pies are a classic treat that blend creamy fillings with soft, delicious cookies. In this recipe, we'll make a twist by combining rich brownie cookie dough with a decadent chocolate filling to create the perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow these detailed steps and enjoy your homemade Whoopie Pies!
#### Ingredients
**For Brownie Cookie Dough:**
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chunks
**For Chocolate Filling:**
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
#### Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Pastry bag with a large tip (or plastic sandwich bags)
- Cookie cutters or a spoon and knife for shaping
- Cooling rack
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Cookie Dough
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
5. **Fold in Chocolate Chips**: Fold in the mini chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed.
6. **Form Dough Balls**: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form dough into balls (about 1-2 tablespoons each). Place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
#### Step 2: Bake Brownie Cookies
1. **Bake and Cool**: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers still slightly soft.
2. **Cool Completely**: Allow to cool on a wire rack before handling.
#### Step 3: Make Chocolate Filling
1. **Heat Cream**: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until just steaming.
2. **Add Chocolate and Vanilla**: Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. **Cool Mixture**: Let cool to room temperature.
#### Step 4: Assemble Whoopie Pies
1. **Pipe Filling**: Transfer the filling to a pastry bag or plastic sandwich bags with tips cut off one corner.
2. **Assemble Pies**: Take two cooled brownie cookies and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of filling on one cookie, then place another cookie on top to form a sandwich.
#### Step 5: Final Touches
1. **Refrigerate (Optional)**: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the whoopie pies for an hour or so before serving.
2. **Store**: Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
#### Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips or chunks (white, milk, or white and semisweet).
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie dough for extra depth.
- Top with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or powdered sugar before serving.
By following these steps, you can enjoy homemade Brownie Cookie Whoopie Pies that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy baking!