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Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies Recipe

Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

These Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies are soft, flavorful treats bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, topped with a tangy lemon frosting. Perfectly sweet and citrusy, they make a delightful snack or dessert to brighten any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Optional: yellow food coloring (a drop)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well until fully combined to infuse the dough with bright citrus flavor.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  6. Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the frosting doesn’t melt.
  9. Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Add a drop of yellow food coloring if desired to brighten the frosting color.
  10. Frost Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the lemon frosting evenly on top. Allow the frosting to set before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or use fresh lemon juice in the frosting.
  • Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Yellow food coloring is optional and only for aesthetic appeal.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • These cookies freeze well if you want to prepare them in advance; frost after thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon frosting, zesty cookies, citrus dessert, soft cookies, baked treats

Find it online: https://maicook.com/zesty-lemon-frosted-cookies-recipe/