Lemon Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter,, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter,, room temperature
• 6 ounces cream cheese,, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir together with a whisk and set aside.

3. 3

   Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix until combined.

5. 5

   Reduce speed to low and add 1/2 of flour, then the buttermilk, and then remaining flour. Mix just until combined.

6. 6

   Drop heaping tablespoon full of dough onto baking sheets about 3 inches apart.

7. 7

   Bake until firm on top, 10 to 12 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes and then carefully remove to wire rack.

9. 9

   To make filling, use a mixer with a paddle attachment beat butter, cream cheese, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined and smooth.

10. 10

    Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

11. 11

    Place a large dollop of filling on underside of 1/2 of the cookies and top with remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.