When February rolls around, the air is filled with love and the sweet scent of indulgence. That’s when I turn to one of my favorite baking traditions: Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies. Picture this: vibrant red, cake-like cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Each bite delivers a soft and fluffy crumb with a rich cocoa flavor, perfectly complemented by a creamy, dreamy vanilla filling.
These festive treats aren’t just for the romantics; they are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even just as a pick-me-up after a long week. On evenings when I need a little extra joy, whipping up these whoopie pies not only brings warmth to my kitchen but also fills my heart with happiness. Let me show you how to create these easy, shareable delights that are destined to be the star of your Valentine’s Day celebrations!
Why choose Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies?
Irresistibly Fun: These whoopie pies are not only delicious but also fun to make, especially for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Shareable Goodness: Their heart shape makes them perfect for sharing, whether you’re surprising loved ones or indulging on your own.
Vibrant Appearance: The rich red color and festive sprinkles make for a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.
Customization Options: With simple ingredient swaps like using a homemade cake mix or alternative fillings, you can make these whoopie pies your own.
Quick Treat: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful dessert ready to serve!
Make your celebrations even sweeter with these treats!
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pie Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful treat this Valentine’s Day with these essential ingredients!
For the Cookies
- Red Velvet Cake Mix – Provides the cake-like texture and festive red color; for a homemade twist, consider crafting your own red velvet batter.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients together, helping the cookies rise; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Oil – Keeps the whoopie pies moist and fluffy; melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce works well too.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic flavors to the cookie dough, enhancing its sweetness.
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese – Creates a rich, creamy filling that is oh-so-delicious; mascarpone or whipped cream can offer a lighter alternative.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling and contributes to a smooth, creamy texture.
- Milk – Helps adjust the filling’s consistency to perfection; use non-dairy milk to keep it lactose-free.
For Decoration
- Valentine’s Sprinkles – Adds a burst of color and festive charm, making these whoopie pies truly special.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re just a few steps away from crafting irresistible Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies that will bring joy to your Valentine’s Day festivities!
How to Make Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
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Prepare Cookies: In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix until smooth and well-integrated—aim for a thick, cake-like batter. Scoop tablespoon amounts onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave ample space between each dollop.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until they are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
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Make Filling: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in milk until your desired filling consistency is reached, which should be thick yet spreadable.
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Assemble: Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one whoopie pie. Top it with another pie, pressing gently to create a delightful sandwich.
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Decorate: Roll the outer edges of the assembled whoopie pies in Valentine’s sprinkles for a magical touch that pops with color and festivity!
Optional: Add a touch of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Room Temperature: Keep these delightful whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the whoopie pies in a sealed container for up to a week. Just remember, they may become slightly firmer when chilled.
Freezer: To enjoy later, freeze the whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet before sealing them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: If you prefer them slightly warm, microwave them for a few seconds before serving, but be careful not to overheat, as it could melt the filling.
Expert Tips for Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
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Cool Completely: Ensure your cookies are completely cooled before adding the creamy filling. This prevents melting and keeps them beautifully intact.
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Mixing Matters: For the best texture, mix your ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense whoopie pies rather than the light, fluffy result you desire.
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Use a Piping Bag: To make filling less messy and more beautiful, use a piping bag for an even and neat spread. It adds a professional touch to your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try different flavored extracts in the filling for a twist on this classic dessert that’s sure to impress.
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Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, store your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days!
Make Ahead Options
These Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep, making your Valentine’s Day celebration a breeze! You can bake the cookies up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to let them cool completely to prevent any moisture from softening their texture. The creamy filling can also be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep it in an airtight container to maintain its delicious flavor and consistency. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the whoopie pies by spreading the filling on one cookie and topping it with another. This way, you’ll enjoy the same soft and fluffy goodness as if they were freshly made!
Variations & Substitutions for Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Feel free to get creative and make these delightful whoopie pies your own! Let’s explore some exciting twists to elevate this festive dessert.
- Egg-Free: Substitute 1 egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan-friendly option that’s just as delicious.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to ensure everyone can enjoy these scrumptious treats without worry.
- Flavor Infusions: Add 1-2 tablespoons of almond or orange extract to the filling for a unique flavor boost that dances on the palate.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in crushed pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and a satisfying crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out red velvet cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a double dose of cocoa goodness!
- Creamy Alternatives: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter filling that’s still rich and satisfying.
- Spicy Sweet: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper into the filling for a warm, spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a truly indulgent and luscious filling without any dairy.
With these variations, your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies can delight a variety of palates, making them even more special for sharing love this Valentine’s Day!
What to Serve with Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies?
Create a delightful Valentine’s Day spread with these irresistible pairing ideas that elevate your dessert experience.
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Cold Milk: The classic combo! A chilled glass of milk complements the sweetness and richness of the whoopie pies beautifully.
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Coffee: A warm, velvety coffee contrasts the sweet filling, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a bright, fruity touch, cutting through the richness with their natural tartness. Pairing them on the side adds a colorful burst!
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For a romantic touch, these treat pairings enhance your heart-themed dessert and provide a deliciously decadent experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream feels like a hug on your taste buds when paired with the soft whoopie pies. The melt-in-your-mouth experience is divine.
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Sparkling Wine: If you’re in a festive mood, a glass of bubbly perfectly complements the sweetness while adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
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Whipped Cream: Add a dollop on top of the whoopie pie for an extra layer of creaminess and a classic touch that’s simply irresistible!
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Sundae Bar: Set up a mini sundae bar with toppings like nuts and sauces for an interactive dessert experience that’s sure to charm your guests.
These pairing suggestions will surely render your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies an unforgettable centerpiece for any celebration of love!
Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe FAQs
What type of red velvet cake mix should I use?
Absolutely! Any standard red velvet cake mix will work wonders for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a personal touch, homemade red velvet batter can take your whoopie pies to a whole new level! Just ensure it has the right balance of cocoa and buttermilk for that signature flavor.
How should I store leftover whoopie pies?
Store your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just keep in mind, refrigeration can make them a bit firmer, so let them sit at room temperature for a bit before indulging!
Can I freeze these whoopie pies for later?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
It happens to the best of us! If your whoopie pies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not enough flour in the mix. To prevent this, make sure your cookie dough is cold before scooping onto the baking sheet. Also, ensure you’re measuring flour accurately. Adding a bit more flour to your next batch can help achieve a thicker batter that holds its shape better.
Are Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies suitable for those with allergies?
Good question! These whoopie pies contain common allergens like eggs and dairy. However, for a dairy-free or vegan option, substituting flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for regular eggs and using non-dairy milk will work beautifully. If you’re concerned about gluten, you can try a gluten-free cake mix, but make sure all your other ingredients comply as well!
Melt Hearts with Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix until smooth and well-integrated, aiming for a thick, cake-like batter.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon amounts onto a lined baking sheet, leaving ample space between each dollop. Bake for 10-12 minutes until set, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Gradually add in milk until desired thickness is reached.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one whoopie pie and top with another pie, pressing gently.
- Roll the outer edges in Valentine’s sprinkles for an extra festive touch.