Chocolate Whoopie Pies with an American Frosting Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarb of soda & salt.

3. Beat together the butter and sugar until light & fluffy.  Add the eggs beating well.
Beat in the vanilla extract. 

4. In a small measuring jug mix the clona buttermilk and water. With the mixer on low speed  alternatively add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture.

5. Drop heaped tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet spacing about 2 inches apart. With the back of the spoon smooth the top of the cookies.

6. Bake for approx 9-10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting filling

Place all frosting ingredients into a heatproof bowl, add 2 tablespoons of water and set over a saucepan of simmering water.

Whisk slowly, using a balloon whisk, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is foamy.

Continue to whisk until the mixture reaches 60 degrees - this will take approximately 4 minutes.

Quickly remove the bowl from the pan and pour the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.

Whisk on high speed for about 3-5 minutes or until the frosting is very thick,  glossy and has cooled.

To assemble take one cookie and spread a heaping tablespoon of the filling on the flat side of the cookie. Top with another cookie. Enjoy.

Recipe By: Lisa Mullans