Homemade Whoopie Pies

Making the Cookies: First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the flour and the cocoa; set aside.

In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water, then add milk, set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the shortening and sugar until fluffy.

Add the egg and beat another minute.

Mix in half of the dry ingredients, then half of the wet; repeat.

Drop batter by heaping teaspoons, about 2 inches apart, on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 8 minutes.

Cool thoroughly.

Making the Filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter, shortening, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.

Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting has a creamy consistency.

Assemble: Using a butter knife, spread the frosting between two cookies.

Wrap Whoopie Pies individually or place them in a single layer on a plate.