Introduction

These Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies offer a bright and cheerful citrus flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft, tender cookies topped with tangy lemon frosting make a delightful treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of several round lemon sugar cookies on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a thick, soft yellow cookie base and a smooth, creamy white frosting swirled on top in a circular pattern. On the top center of each cookie, there is a small pile of bright yellow lemon zest as decoration. One cookie is slightly raised and has a bite taken out, revealing its soft and crumbly texture inside. Scattered lemon zest and sliced lemon halves are visible around the plate, adding to the fresh and citrusy feeling of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest (for frosting)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for frosting consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will appear soft but will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: To make the frosting, beat ½ cup of softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the lemon frosting onto each cookie. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an extra citrus punch, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the frosting.
Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added texture.
If you prefer a tangier treat, increase the lemon juice in the frosting by 1 tablespoon.

Storage

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Allow frozen cookies to thaw completely before serving. When reheating, let cookies come to room temperature to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds multiple lemon cookies, each cookie has a thick base layer of soft yellow dough and a smooth, creamy white swirl of frosting on top, finished with small pieces of bright yellow lemon zest sprinkled over the frosting. One cookie is stacked partially on another with a bite taken out of it, showing a soft textured inside. The plate is on a white marbled surface with some lemon zest scattered around and out-of-focus lemon halves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the frosted cookies briefly to set the frosting and keep it firm.