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Lemon Whoopie Pies

Soft, cake-like sandwich cookies filled with a tangy cream cheese frosting, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and zesty lemon flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cakes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cakes rise.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Creates additional lift.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Must be softened.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg Binds ingredients together.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest Infuses a vibrant lemon flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Brightens flavor.
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk Adds moisture and tang.
For the Filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Forms the creamy filling.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Should be softened.
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar Provides sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest For added flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Balances creaminess.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
  5. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until combined.
  6. Gradually alternate adding buttermilk and dry mixture until smooth.
Cooking
  1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop rounded balls of batter onto the baking sheets, spacing them out.
  3. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they spring back when lightly touched.
  4. Cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving
  1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
  3. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.

Notes

For the best texture, keep butter softened but not melted. Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Cool cookies completely before adding the filling to prevent melting.