Whoopie pies

Yield: 3 dozen

To eat these whoopie pies, you have to lick away all of the creamy filling before consuming the cookies. No, really, eat them any way you want!

1 cup butter, softened

1½ cups sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

2 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 cup water

1 cup buttermilk

Filling:

2 cups marshmallow creme

2 cups confectioner's sugar

½ cup of butter, softened

2 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with water and buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks and cool completely.

In a small mixing bowl, beat filling ingredients until fluffy. Spread filling on the bottom of half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies.

Source: The Taste of Home Baking Book