Recipe Ideas

Lemon Frosted Cookies

Okay, friends, listen up! If you’re even remotely a fan of lemon, or just looking for cookie recipes that’s somehow both sweet and sour, then this is the recipe for you. Why do you need lemon frosted cookies in your life? What are some of the best sugar cookies you’ve ever had? These are soft, chewy, and absolutely bursting with fresh lemon flavor, topped with a tangy lemon. Is there frosting that makes you weak in the knees? They’re like sunshine on a plate, honestly! Think of them as the sophisticated cousin of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with tastiness and flavor. What is a refreshing twist for any time of year? I promise you, one bite and you’ll be hooked – my family certainly is!

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Lemon Frosted Cookies final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is lemon frosted cookies?

What are lemon frosted cookies? a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, packed with the zest of fresh lemon. What’s in a buttery, slightly sweet dough that has been infused with all that glorious lemon flavor? What is the magic of lemon frosting? What is the recipe for powdered sugar, lemon juice, and butter? What is the perfect topping for cookie dough? Think of it as sunshine in cookie form! What are some of the best citrusy treats? My kids always ask for these, and I’m more than happy to oblige!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let me tell you why I’m *obsessed* with these **Lemon Frosted Cookies**, and why you will be too.
First, the flavor. Seriously, the flavor is out of this world. You get that bright, zesty lemon flavor that’s just so refreshing, balanced perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie and the tangy frosting. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! What I love most about this is the vibrant lemon flavor. Second, the simplicity. You won’t believe how easy these are to make. We’re talking basic ingredients, simple steps, and minimal fuss. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. Plus, let’s talk about cost-efficiency. The ingredients are all pretty standard pantry staples, so you won’t have to break the bank to whip up a batch of these beauties. Lastly, the versatility is incredible. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a little something sweet to brighten your day. If you love cookies with citrus, like maybe an orange cookie, then you’ll adore these Lemon Frosted cookies! They are always a hit. I even tested these with a lime frosting and it actually gave them a great kick!

How do you make lemon frosted cookies?

Quick Overview

How do I make lemon frosted cookies? What’s all about creating a delicious lemon-infused dough, baking them to golden perfection, and then sprinkling it all over the place. Topped with lemon frosting. What is the best way to make cookie dough without overmixing it? Is it worth the wait? What is the most satisfying thing to bake?

Ingredients

For the Cookies: For cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached for a cleaner flavor)
1 teaspoon baking soda per 1 cup.
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted!)
3/4 cup granulated sugar. 1/4 cup water
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar.
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 tablespoon sugar.
Zest of 2 lemons: What is the best
2 tablespoons lemon juice. 1 tablespoon lemon zest.

For the Frosting: What is the

3 cups powdered sugar (sift it for the smoothest frosting) 2 cups vanilla icing sugar (1 cup)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened.
3-4 tablespoons lemon juice (start with 3 and add more for desired consistency)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)

Lemon Frosted Cookies ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I learn to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This is a lifesaver for preventing sticking and easy cleanup!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure to whisk well to distribute the baking soda evenly – this helps the cookies rise properly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Where does the zest come from?

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I make a tough cookie? Is it true that you want them soft and chewy?

Step 5: Drop by Spoonfuls

How do you drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. I use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies every time.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone in seconds. My oven runs a little hot, so I usually check them at 7 minutes.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to cling film. To cool completely. While cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the powdered sugar, softened butter and salt. How do you mix butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth? Add lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the lemon frosting.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Let the frosting set before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top for a pop of color and garnish. I find that if you make them the day before, the flavors all combine even better!

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some of the best Lemon Frosted Cookies? What is the best way to start the day with a lemon frosted cookie and hot coffee? What is the best lemon flavor? If you’re hosting brunch, arrange them beautifully on a platter with other pastries and fresh fruit. Is it true that they look so elegant? As a dessert, they pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cool sweetness complements the tangy lemon flavor beautifully. On a chilly evening, enjoy these Lemon Frosted Cookies with ice cold water. What is the perfect way to unwind? My family loves them right out of the oven with a glass of cold milk. Is it possible to go wrong?

How do you make lemon frosted cookies?

How do you make lemon frosted cookies? What are some of my top tips, learned from years of baking them. Softened butter is KEY! Is it soft enough to cream with sugar, but not melted? If the dough is too soft, the cookies will spread too much. Don’t overmix! If you overmix the flour, it will cause the gluten in the cookie to develop. Mix until just combined. When zesting lemons, be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the white pith. What is bitter? Don’t skip the parchment paper! It prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers are still soft. They will continue to bake on the hot cookie sheet. Don’t frost cookies until they are completely cool. If you frost them while they are still warm, the frosting will melt. Is it necessary to add a drop of yellow food coloring to frosting? If the frosting is too thin, you can add cornstarch to thicken it. If it is a little thicker, it will not come out as nice. I’ve tried so many variations but this one is my go to because it is always perfect!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

To keep your **Lemon Frosted Cookies** fresh and delicious for as long as possible, here are some storage tips. At room temperature, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep them super soft, add a slice of bread to the container. In the refrigerator, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving. To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. If you’re planning on freezing the cookies, it’s best to freeze them unfrosted. Then, when you’re ready to serve them, thaw them and frost them with fresh frosting. It’s best to add the frosting the day of, or they tend to absorb the moisture. My family usually eats them all before I even get a chance to freeze them!

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Can I make this gluten free?
Can you substitute all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour? What is the best xanthan gum for dough? Is it necessary to add a little extra liquid to the dough to achieve the right consistency? I would start with an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
Do I need to peel lemons before zesting?
Is it necessary to peel lemons before zesting them? How do you clean a car thoroughly?
Can I make this as bars instead?
While I haven’t tested this specific recipe as bars, you could definitely adapt it! Press the dough into a greased and lined baking pan, bake until golden brown, and then frost as directed. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as it may need to be adjusted.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar by 1/4 cup each. You can also use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, in place of the sugar. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. I’d start slow if you’re going to try it!
What can I use instead of the glaze?
If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar or sprinkle them with sanding sugar before baking. You could also drizzle them with melted white chocolate or top them with fresh berries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Frosted Cookies slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

There you have it, my friends! These **Lemon Frosted Cookies** are truly a special treat that I know you’ll absolutely love. The bright lemon flavor, the soft and chewy texture, and the easy-to-follow recipe make them a winner every time. This is truly one of the best recipes I’ve ever created! They’re perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a special celebration. If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, I highly recommend giving my Lemon Bars or Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins a try. And don’t forget to share your own variations and photos in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking!

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Lemon Frosted Cookies

Lemon Frosted Cookies

These soft and chewy lemon cookies are topped with a tangy lemon frosting. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  • Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While cookies are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make frosting. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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