Red Velvet Orange Whoopie Pies

Preheat oven to 350F. Beat the butter in stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed until light and fluffy, apprx. 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the brown sugar, cocoa powder, flour, soda, and salt in separate bowl; set aside. Stop the mixer and add the egg to the whipped butter; beat on medium speed until combined. Reduce the mixer's speed to lowest, and slowly add the dry ingredients. Add the buttermilk, vanilla and red food coloring gel. Transfer the batter to the piping bag fitted with a large round piping tip (1A or 2A by wilton) and pipe the pies on silicone baking mat, at least 2-3 inches apart. Bake on middle rack for 10-13 minutes until toothpick comes out mostly dry and clean.

To make the orange creamcheese frosting: Beat the cream cheese in stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until its creamy and smooth. Add the butter and continue mixing until combined. Add the powdered sugar in 3 steps, orange flavoring, and orange food color if using. Fill the cooled red velvet whoopie pies with orange creamcheese frosting; dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!