Shamrock Mint Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Forget the usual green-dyed St. Patrick’s Day snacks. This year we feel lucky to know about a mint chocolate whoopie recipe by our contributor Tessa of Style Sweet. Soft, sweet, and easy to make, these sandwiches are the ultimate themed desserts. Here’s what Tessa has to say:

“Is it a cake? Is it a cookie? Who cares when they taste this good?! Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, these Shamrockin’ Whoopie Pies are sure to win over a crowd, and they’ll certainly keep you from getting pinched. Sandwiched between two giant, chewy chocolate cake-cookies, the mint-chip filling is both refreshing and decadent at the same time. Makes you think of mint-chip ice cream, right? But don’t worry, these hand-held treats won’t melt on you.”

SHAMROCKIN’ MINT CHOCOLATE WHOOPIE PIES

PIES:

(yields about one dozen)

—2 cups all purpose flour
—1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
—1 tsp baking soda
—1 tsp salt
—1 cup granulated sugar
—1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
—1/2 cup grapeseed oil
—2 eggs
—2 tsp vanilla bean paste

MINT CHIP FILLING:

—1 cup unsalted butter, softened
—3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
—1/2 -1 teaspoon mint extract, or to taste
—1/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped
—2 tbsp creme de menthe or milk
—Green gel food coloring

PIES:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Line baking pan with parchment. Sift together the dry ingredients and set aside.

3. Place sugar and oil in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed. Add in the eggs and vanilla bean paste. Stop mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

4. While mixing on low, add in the dry ingredients. Add in the yogurt, and mix until combined.

5. Using a spoon, disher, or piping bag with plain round tip, place mound of batter on parchment – about 2-3 tablespoons worth at 2 inches apart.

6. Bake until done, about 12-14 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. The toothpick should come out clean.

MINT CHIP FILLING:

1. Beat butter with the paddle attachment of an electric mixer on high for about 5 minutes.

2. Turn mixer down to low speed and gradually add in the remaining ingredients.

3. Turn mixer back up the medium and mix until fluffy (about 3-5 more minutes).