Strawberry Whoopie Pies

I thought strawberry whoopie pies would make a delicious Valentines treat this year.  These are light, fluffy, sweet, and filled with fruit for a semi-healthy treat.

Ingredients:

Cookies-

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup diced strawberries

½ cup freeze dried strawberries

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup dark brown sugar

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup plain yogurt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 eggs

Filling-

1 4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 ounces cool whip topping thawed

1 cup strawberries sliced

Powdered sugar for topping

Directions:

1. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Whisk flour, protein powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Mix brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs in a stand mixer until smooth.
4. Gradually fold in dry ingredients mixing on low.
5. Fold in fresh and freeze-dried strawberries scraping the sides of the bowl.
6. Use a small cookie scooper to place scoops 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. 
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes.  Let cool on parchment paper for a few minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Filling- Whisk milk and vanilla extract with pudding mixture.  Fold in cool whip.
9. Flip over half of the whoopie pies. 
10. Pipe filling onto half of the whoopie pies.  Place a strawberry slice on top of the filling. Then gently press a cookie on top.
11. Store whoopie pies in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
12. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.