"Cakies", aka Whoopie Pies

People usually call these Whoopie Pies but that name doesn't work here (my kids just DON'T like that name), so: cake + cookies =  CAKIES !!

This recipe makes 16-18 cakies. You could probably make them 1/2 the size, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 large baking sheets.

1.) In a small mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

SET ASIDE.

2.) In another mixing bowl, combine:

2 cups flour

1/2 unsweetened cocoa powder

1-1/4 tsp. baking soda

SET ASIDE.

3.) In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1/2 cup softened butter

1 cup brown sugar

On medium speed of a mixer, mix for 3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down sides frequently.

Beat in: 1 large egg

Mix for another minute, scraping sides of bowl.

Alternately add the reserved buttermilk mixture (1.) & reserved flour mixture (2.) to the creamed butter mixture (3.), incorporating them until all 3 are thoroughly combined. Batter is thick!

Drop HEAPING Tblsp. of batter (gently release into little rounded mounds) onto prepared sheets - 8 to 9 per sheet, leaving space between each.

Bake both sheets at the same time (racks in oven should be spaced apart to allow for circulation) - Bake for EIGHT MINUTES - then quickly open the oven and switch positions of the sheets- close oven door and bake for another 4-5 minutes. Test cakies - they'll spring back when gently touched on the tops. Remove from oven and immediately transfer to wire racks. Cool completely. Take half the cookies, invert them and place a generous dollop of frosting into the center (heaping Tblsp.) - cover with another cookie to sandwich the 2 together.

FROSTING:

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat for 3 minutes on medium speed:

1/2 cup softened butter

1-1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 C. marshmallow 'Fluff'