Description

There’s something irresistible about the zesty brightness of these Lemon Frosted Cookies. Soft, buttery cookies topped with a sweet and tangy lemon frosting make for the perfect treat. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful dessert for a gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day with every bite!

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Ingredients

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For the Cookies:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and softness.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: For a subtle lemon flavor in the dough.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds an extra punch of citrus flavor.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookies.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies are soft and tender.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.

For the Lemon Frosting:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet frosting.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: For tangy, zesty flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Infuses the frosting with a bold citrus taste.
1–2 tablespoons milk: To adjust the consistency.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Adds creaminess to the frosting.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop and Bake
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Frosting
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick but spreadable.
Frost the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one using a butter knife or the back of a spoon.
Let the Frosting Set
- Allow the frosting to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking.
Make Them Fancy: Add a drop of yellow food coloring to the frosting for a vibrant, sunny look.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American