Recipe : Chocolate Dream Whoopie Pies

Everyone loved these!  The cakes are easy and the filling is a little tricky, but worth it!  If you ever need a filling for a cake, use this filling.  It tastes like it should be in a wedding cake.  Amazing!

Chocolate Dream
Whoopie Pies

CAKES
1 pkg. (18 1/4 oz.) chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

FILLING
2/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1.  In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla; beat on low speed for 30 seconds.  Beat on medium for 2 minutes.

2.  Drop by 2 tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until edges are set.  Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

3.  For filling, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt.  Gradually add milk.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Stir in chocolate chips until melted.  Cool completely.

4.  In a large bowl, beat the shortening and butter until fluffy.  Beat in chocolate mixture and vanilla.

5.  Spread chocolate filling on the bottoms of half of the cookies, about 2 Tbsp. on each; top with remaining cookies.  Store in the refrigerator.

From Taste of Home February/March 2011
Prep: 40 minutes   Bake: 15 minutes   Yield: about 1 dozen