Lemon Frosted Cookies (Printer-friendly)
Buttery lemon cookies with tangy glaze. Soft, refreshing citrus treat ready in 32 minutes.
# What you'll need:
→ Cookie Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cookie Wet Ingredients
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Lemon Frosting
11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
06 - Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers appear set. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even results.
08 - Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
09 - In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, and melted butter until smooth and spreadable. Add additional lemon juice 1 teaspoon at a time if thinner consistency is desired.
10 - Spread lemon frosting generously over cooled cookies. Allow frosting to set for 15 minutes before serving or storing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The frosting sets into a perfect crackle that snaps when you bite down
- They strike that magical balance between tangy and sweet that keeps everyone reaching for seconds
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating and creating greasy cookies
- Zest your lemons before juicing them or you will struggle to get those precious oils off the skin
03 -
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading too thin
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for evenly golden cookies