Classic whoopie pies combine a creamy filling sandwiched between cakey chocolate cookies. Some are filled with a marshmallow cream frosting while others are filled with whipped cream. Even those of us who grew up with the former fell in love with our lighter version of the whipped cream-filled treats.

Makes 16 whoopie pies

ACTIVE TIME: 45 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 2 1/2 hours (including chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

Cookies
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup nonfat milk

Filling
1/2 cup cold water
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 cup whipping cream
2/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.
2. To prepare cookies: Beat oil, brown sugar, egg and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk; beat until smooth. Let the batter stand for 15 minutes.
3. Drop batter by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading the batter into a 2- to 3-inch circle with the back of a spoon if it doesn’t spread itself. (Each large baking sheet accommodates 8 cookies—they will be close together.) Bake the cookies until firm to the touch, about 8 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Wash, dry and coat the baking sheets with cooking spray again. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. To prepare filling: While the cookies cool, stir water and gelatin in a small heatproof cup or bowl. Let stand 1 minute. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the gelatin has completely dissolved but the liquid is not boiling, 20 to 30 seconds. (Alternatively, bring 1/2 inch water to a gentle simmer in a small skillet. Set the bowl with the gelatin mixture in the simmering water until the gelatin has dissolved completely.) Stir the mixture until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Beat cream, yogurt, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until very thick, about 1 minute. With the mixer beating constantly, add the gelatin mixture in a steady steam until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until the cream filling is thickened to the consistency of pudding, about 30 minutes. Whisk again until smooth.
6. To assemble whoopie pies: Turn half the cookies bottom side up and top with a generous 2 tablespoons of the cream. Top with the remaining cookies. Chill in the refrigerator until the filling is set, about 30 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 202 calories; 11 g fat (4 g sat, 5 g mono); 34 mg cholesterol; 24 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 144 mg sodium; 63 mg potassium.
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate (other), 2 fat

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling (Steps 4-5) and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Store the cookies (Step 3) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Refrigerate the assembled Whoopie Pies, uncovered, for up to 4 hours.

I am disappointed how the cookie part came out, thin and falling apart. But, we liked the taste of the cream and cookie together, just ate them with a fork, or spoon! I wish I knew why the cookie is so thin, I did the recipe exactly too.

DKB512, Detroit, MI

These were good and satisfying. I didnt spread out the cookie with the back of the spoon as much as the recipe said and the cookie was a good thickness like pictured. Try that :)

Lila, Pearl River, NY

Have found on many recipies measuring flour incorrectly changes texture a lot even off a little bit. Make sure not many air pockets in measuring cup without packing flour. Stick knife in flour few times to settle it before leveling it off.

Jill