Lemon Whoopie Pies

The Holidays are approaching, and in past years I've teetered on the edge of the bah humbug approach, but this year I'm actually sort of excited for the turkey feasting and present buying. I mainly don't like that during a time where we should be grateful and thoughtful, a lot of people are stressed out, rude, and just plain grouchy.

 I'm on a mission to enjoy the holidays this year, and it shouldn't be too hard, since it's been a pretty amazing year. It's also the first holiday season for my  beautiful niece Raegan (a.k.a. Reggie Mc Squish) so that's pretty great no matter how you slice it.

Look at that happy lil' lady!

Speaking of festivities, I wanted to make something citrus for my friend's recent  birthday, and since she so loves lemons, I thought a lemon whoopie pie was a good idea, so I got my baking game face on and went to it.

Lemon Whoopie Pies

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

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat until combined. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture.
2. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, 1 inch apart, onto two baking sheets. Bake until edges are golden, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool 2 minutes on sheets, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. ( adapted from Martha Stewart)
   
   
   Filling:
   - 8 oz. softened cream cheese
   -1 stick butter
   -1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
   -1 t. vanilla
   Directions: Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Spread on cookies and assemble sandwich style. Chill 1 hour before serving.
   
   
   
   Delightful tart cookies with rich cream cheese frosting in the center, a recipe inspired by a love for the classic chocolate Whoopie Pie that forever holds a special place in my heart. And now I hold a special place in my friends heart for making her "all-time most amazing %$#!@#  cookie she's ever had" ( direct quote sans numerous expletives =) )
   
   
   I made a similar smaller, bite-sized cookie for Christmas last  year too that was a nice new addition to cookie trays. I can just about assure you if Reg had more than 2 teeth, she'd be all over these cookies too..... Enjoy!