Description
Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies combine a soft, delicate cookie base with a luscious lemon frosting that’s bursting with citrusy goodness. These cookies are a perfect treat to brighten up any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.
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
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: 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.
- Shape the Cookies: 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.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the Lemon Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream if needed for consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once cooled, frost the cookies and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Lemon and Lavender: Add a small amount of dried lavender to the dough or frosting for a fragrant twist.
- Lemon Glaze: For a lighter option, drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies instead of frosting them.
- Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for added sweetness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg