Whoopie Pie Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients

Cookies

• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Filling

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (just a dash would work)
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cookie sheet.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine cocoa and water; mix well. Cool for five minutes. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add cocoa mixture, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk; mix well.

3. 3

   Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool.

4. 4

   In saucepan, combine flour and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook and stir over medium-high heat until thick, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and refrigerate until completely cool.

5. 5

   In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla. Add chilled milk mixture; beat for 7 minutes or until fluffy. Spread filling on half of cooled cookies; top with the remaining cookies.