Name: Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies That Brighten Every Bite
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Can be swapped with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.); 1 large egg (For vegan option, try flaxseed meal mixed with water.); 2 tablespoons lemon zest (About 2 lemons; freshly grated zest is best.); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Provides tanginess; must be fresh for optimal flavor.); 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options.); 0.5 teaspoon baking powder (A leavening agent for a light texture.); 0.5 teaspoon baking soda (Helps cookies rise.); 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (Can be substituted with coconut oil for dairy-free.); 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon zest (For additional flavor in frosting.); 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Use fresh for best taste.); 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (Optional to adjust frosting consistency; omit for dairy-free.)

Description

Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies that brighten every bite with their cheerful flavor and soft texture.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.)
1 cup granulated sugar (Can be swapped with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.)
1 large egg (For vegan option, try flaxseed meal mixed with water.)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (About 2 lemons; freshly grated zest is best.)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Provides tanginess; must be fresh for optimal flavor.)
2.5 cups all-purpose flour (Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options.)
0.5 teaspoon baking powder (A leavening agent for a light texture.)
0.5 teaspoon baking soda (Helps cookies rise.)
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (Can be substituted with coconut oil for dairy-free.)
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest (For additional flavor in frosting.)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Use fresh for best taste.)
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (Optional to adjust frosting consistency; omit for dairy-free.)

Instructions

Start by beating together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, mixing until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes if overly soft.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and scoop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, slightly flattening each ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream until creamy.
Spread frosting on cooled cookies and allow to set.

Notes

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies