What you are creating:

Chocolate Whoopie Pies with a light and creamy vanilla filling.

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Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa

• 2 cups unbleached flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons buttermilk powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup milk

• 12 ounce bag chocolate chips

 

For the filling:

• 3 tablespoons meringue powder

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

• 3/4 cup shortening (substitute 3/4 cup butter for richer flavor)

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Directions:

For the cake:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Beat together the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl after each addition.

4. Sift together the cocoa, flour, cornstarch, buttermilk powder, baking powder and baking soda.

5. Add dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Beat until all ingredients are combined.

6. Stir in the chocolate chips.

7. Drop 1/4 cup batter on parchment lined sheets, leaving two inches between each cake.

8. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until set. Use tooth pick or cake tester to ensure center is done.

9. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet.

10. Move to rack and cool completely.