Whoopie Pie Cookies

This recipe comes from my sister, she is one awesome baker!! My g'children love these cookies..actually anyone who loves chocolate will love these.

2 cups white sugar
1 cup shortening or lard
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sour cream
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup cocoa
2 tsp baking soda dissolved in
1 cup boiling water

Cream shortening and sugar, mix in eggs, vanilla and sour cream.
Sift together dry ingredients and stir into the creamed mixture alternating with the baking soda dissolved in the boiling water.
Drop by spoonfuls on parchment lined baking pans and bake at 350 for 6 to 8 min. Once cookies are cool 'sandwich them' with the following icing.

Soft Icing
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup soft butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tsp vanilla
This recipe calls for an egg as well but I leave that out.
Beat butter till very creamy, add the rest and beat until light.