These are one of my popular sellers on eBay ~ throughout the year. Depending how many orders I have to fill, sometimes I'll do them from scratch and sometimes I'll use this EASY recipe. (You can use the $.99 generic WHITE cake mix at the store)
TIP: Instead of using a rack to cool cookies, I use sheets of throwaway magazines. ** This is really good when you're frosting cookies, because there's nothing to clean up afterwards! Just throw the paper away **
1 package WHITE cake mix (NOT yellow or butter)
1 egg..................................................................................1 stick melted butter
1 tsp vanilla.....................................................................2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp instant coffee (intensifies the cocoa flavor a little)
1 tsp red food color paste (you can use liquid food coloring, but you’ll need at least 1 TB and that much liquid can affect the batter)
MARSHMALLOW CREAM FILLING:
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature............1/2 container (about 3-1/2" oz) marshmallow fluff
4 TB vegetable shortening (i.e. Crisco)
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar ……………………. 1 tsp vanilla extract (clear is best)
Optional SPRINKLES
***
Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Beat together cake ingredients until well mixed. Scoop 1” balls onto cookie sheets, and then roll them into balls with your hand. (NOTE: I do all of the cookies first, so that I know I’ll have an even amount to do sandwiches). If you want sprinkles, dip the top of half of balls in sprinkles . Put balls onto cookie sheets (about 12 per sheet).
Bake for 8-11 until they firm up and just start to crack. Remove pan and cool about 5 minutes; then remove to a rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, beat filling ingredients together until smooth and creamy. ** I turn every other cookie over, and put about 1 TB filling onto every other cookie. Top with a plain cookie and lightly press down (until filling reaches the edges). If you want sprinkles on the sides, put the sprinkles onto a saucer and roll the edges of the cookies in them. Makes about 2 dozen whoopie sandwiches.