whoopie pies

For those of you who frequent the Willows, you may notice that we usually have some rather tasty treats out for your nibbling pleasure.  My daughter Christine (who used to own Palatte) bakes us a little something every Monday, so that you, our lovely customers, can have a sweet treat to munch as you visit the store.  A couple weeks ago she made us these amazing oatmeal whoopie pies!  Amazing.

So, for those of you who don't live near, you can make some whoopie pies to enjoy at home...

Oatmeal Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

For the cookies:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 tablespoons boiling water

For the filling:
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cups shortening, softened

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.

To make the cookies: Cream the butter, sugar, and eggs in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together the salt, flour, and baking powder. Add to the creamed mixture. Add the cinnamon and oats. Mix well. In a small dish, add the baking soda to the boiling water, and then stir the mixture into the rest of the batter. Mix well. Drop by the tablespoon onto the baking sheets about 2 inches apart and bake until the cookies are firm and just starting to turn golden around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool the cookies on a wire rack or a plate.

To make the filling: Combine the egg white, vanilla, milk, and 1 cup of the powdered sugar. Cream well. Add the remaining 1 cup of sugar and the shortening and beat until smooth. Spread 1 tablespoon of filling (more if desired) on one cookie, and then top with a second cookie.

Enjoy!  Happy Monday!

And a very Happy Birthday to Christine today!