1️⃣ Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Make the whoopie pies:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

• In a separate large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.

• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until smooth.

3️⃣ Bake the cookies:

• Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

• Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4️⃣ Make the filling:

• In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

• Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until well combined.

5️⃣ Assemble the whoopie pies:

• Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie.

• Sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly.

6️⃣ Optional caramel drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.