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Lemon Whoopie Pies

Lemon Whoopie Pies offer a delightful, tangy twist on a classic treat with airy cookies filled with creamy, citrusy frosting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and softness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cookies rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Works with baking powder for lift.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) Adds richness and creamy mouthfeel.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses warm flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest Brightens the cookies.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Provides a tangy punch.
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk Keeps cookies moist and tender.
For the filling
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) Creates a rich filling.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) Adds creamy texture.
  • 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar Sweetens and thickens the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Adds refreshing zestiness.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Adjusts consistency of filling.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Drop generous portions of the batter using a 1½ tablespoon scoop onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set.
  2. Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Filling and Assembly
  1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until creamy.
  2. Spread or pipe cream filling onto the flat side of a cooled cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
  3. Chill the assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter. Garnish with additional lemon zest or a drizzle of lemon glaze for a special touch.