These moist chocolaty treats are a Schwager family favorite. We love to dress them up by adding sprinkles to the sides - fun for holidays and special events. Don’t judge the filling ingredients before trying - also known as “Poor Mans Icing” - trust me you will be addicted at first bite!

Pies:
½ cup shortening ( i like to use Crisco sticks - easy to use - no messy measuring cup)
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup cocoa powder (i like to use Rodelle - a little more expensive, but it’s worth it)
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and incorporate. Add the vanilla. Add dry ingredients and blend. Slowly incorporate the milk. Drop by rounded tablespoon 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet lined with parchment (tip: i use a small ice cream scoop for uniformity). Bake for 8 minutes. Cool completely.

Filling:
5 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 stick of butter (½ cup)
½ cup of shortening ( again, I like to use the Crisco sticks)
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla

Cook flour and milk over low heat, whisking constantly until a paste forms. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and shortening. Incorporate the sugar and vanilla. Add cooled flour mixture and blend until smooth. Assemble the pies: I think it’s easiest to transfer the filling to a Ziploc bag and snip the end about an inch. We like to add colored sprinkles to dress them up. Refrigerate a minimum of an hour before serving ( and keep leftovers in the fridge - if there are any :). Enjoy!

Makes approximately 18 pies