Mocha Whoopie Pies with Espresso Buttercream

I made these for my co-workers on a PD day! Let me tell you the chocolate and coffee was the perfect combination.  These quickly disappeared and helped us have a productive and happy day.

Ingredients:

Cookies-

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup hot coffee

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons espresso powder

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup butter softened

1 egg

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Filling-

2 cups powdered sugar

½ cup butter softened

1 tablespoon espresso powder dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. 
2. Whisk flour, protein powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk coffee, cocoa, and 2 tablespoons espresso powder until blended.
4. Beat sugar and ½ cup butter at medium speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. 
5. Beat in egg and vanilla.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture and coffee mixture until smooth.
7. Use a small cookie scooper to place tablespoon size drops of batter on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies spring back when touched.  Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet.  Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Filling- Beat powdered sugar and butter for 5 minutes at a medium speed until light and fluffy.  Add espresso mixture and vanilla.  Beat until smooth.
10. Flip over half of the cookies and pipe icing on top.  Gently set another cookie on top to make whoopie pies.
11. Enjoy! These taste even better with a nice cup of coffee.