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Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies

If you’re craving a cookie that balances the perfect amount of tangy and sweet, look no further than these Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies. Infused with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon zest and juice, these cookies are a delightful treat that will lift your spirits and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you need a burst of citrus goodness in your life, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. The creamy lemon frosting takes them to a whole new level, adding richness to every bite. Soft, tender, and bursting with citrus flavor, these cookies are a refreshing twist on your classic sweet treat.

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Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies

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Get ready for a burst of citrusy sweetness with these Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies! 🍋🍪 Soft, chewy, and topped with a tangy, buttery lemon frosting, each bite is a refreshing flavor explosion. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a delightful treat that balances tart and sweet in the best way possible. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving something light and delicious, these cookies are sure to hit the spot! 🌟🍓 #LemonFrostedCookies #ZestyDelight #CookieLove #CitrusGoodness #SweetTreats #BakingJoy #LemonLovers #DeliciousDesserts #FreshFlavors #BakingFun 🍋🍪

  • Total Time: 32 minutes

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
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

For the Cookies:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully combined. The fresh lemon juice and zest will infuse the batter with a zesty fragrance that promises a tangy delight.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but it should hold its shape when rolled into balls.
  4. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a smooth surface for the frosting.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Add a touch of color: For a fun twist, try adding a few drops of food coloring to the frosting for a pastel lemon color. You can match the frosting with the season or theme of your party.
  • Make them extra citrusy: For an added citrus punch, consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough or frosting. The combination of lemon and orange creates a vibrant, tropical flavor.
  • Swap out the frosting: If you’re not a fan of frosting, you can opt for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a lighter option.
  • Storage: These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft texture.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:
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)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

For the Cookies:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully combined. The fresh lemon juice and zest will infuse the batter with a zesty fragrance that promises a tangy delight.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but it should hold its shape when rolled into balls.
  4. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a smooth surface for the frosting.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Lemon Frosting:
6. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, mixing until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be spreadable but not too runny.
7. Frost the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the lemon frosting onto each cookie. You can use a piping bag to create intricate designs or simply spread a generous amount of frosting with a butter knife. For a decorative touch, sprinkle each cookie with extra lemon zest or a tiny amount of edible glitter to make them sparkle.

Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a spring picnic, a family gathering, or as a sweet treat for your next tea party. They pair wonderfully with a cup of iced tea or a fresh glass of lemonade. The tangy frosting and lemony aroma will refresh your senses, making them a standout addition to any dessert table.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add a touch of color: For a fun twist, try adding a few drops of food coloring to the frosting for a pastel lemon color. You can match the frosting with the season or theme of your party.
  • Make them extra citrusy: For an added citrus punch, consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough or frosting. The combination of lemon and orange creates a vibrant, tropical flavor.
  • Swap out the frosting: If you’re not a fan of frosting, you can opt for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a lighter option.
  • Storage: These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft texture.

Conclusion:
These Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies are a must-try for anyone who enjoys the bright, invigorating flavor of lemon. With a soft, tender cookie base and a creamy, tangy frosting, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as an everyday treat, these cookies will undoubtedly brighten your day. The refreshing lemon flavor is guaranteed to leave you craving more with each bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these delightful cookies that will add a burst of sunshine to your day!

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