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Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 116 reviews

Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies are bright and flavorful treats featuring soft lemon-infused cookies topped with a tangy, creamy lemon frosting. These delightful cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for citrus lovers and a refreshing dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 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

For the Lemon Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. Then beat in the egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until fully incorporated, imparting a bright lemon flavor to your dough.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the dough.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to ensure even baking and the desired cookie thickness.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will firm up during cooling. Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Lemon Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition to achieve a smooth texture. Mix in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice until creamy and combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  8. Frost the Cookies: Once fully cooled, spread or pipe the lemon frosting onto each cookie. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for a burst of color and enhanced lemon aroma.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize flavor.
  • Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when removed.
  • If frosting is too thin, chill briefly before applying to prevent sliding.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon frosting, citrus cookies, soft baked cookies, lemon dessert, homemade cookies, lemon zest, seasonal cookie recipe

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/zesty-lemon-frosted-cookies-recipe/