Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these zesty lemon frosted cookies! They’re like little bites of sunshine that brighten up any day. I remember the first time I made them for a gathering, and they were gone within minutes! The tangy lemon flavor combined with that sweet, creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Every time I bake these cookies, I can’t help but smile as the fresh lemon scent fills my kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a favorite among my friends and family. They’re not just cookies; they’re a delightful experience you absolutely must try!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful zesty lemon frosted cookies. I promise, it’s all super simple and straightforward!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit out for a bit to get nice and creamy!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (fresh is best for that punchy flavor!)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is my go-to)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for that sweet frosting goodness)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for frosting, to bring out that zesty zing)
Make sure to gather everything before you start; it makes the process so much smoother. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies
Ready to dive into the delightful world of zesty lemon frosted cookies? Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of heavenly cookies in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for baking those cookies perfectly!
- While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry mix sets the stage for the magic to happen.
- In another large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. It should look like a cloud of sweetness!
- Next, add in 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. This is where that heavenly lemon scent starts to emerge!
- Now, gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—just a gentle fold is all you need.
- With a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use your hands to roll them into balls if you like a more uniform shape!
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
- Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—we want that frosting to stick perfectly!
- While the cookies cool, you can prepare the frosting by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed!
- Finally, spread that luscious frosting over each cooled cookie and get ready for the deliciousness that awaits!
And there you have it—your very own batch of zesty lemon frosted cookies! Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for any skill level!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- The tangy lemon flavor is refreshing and uplifting.
- Delightfully sweet frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Ideal for sharing at parties, picnics, or just enjoying at home.
Tips for Success
To make sure your zesty lemon frosted cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking—it really helps with shaping and prevents them from spreading too much. For the frosting, aim for a smooth consistency; if it’s too thick, just add a splash more lemon juice, but if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar. Also, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the middle. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up, there are so many fun variations you can try with these zesty lemon frosted cookies! For a twist, why not swap out the lemon zest for orange or lime zest? It’ll give your cookies a whole new flavor profile! You can also add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spicy kick. If you want to get creative with the frosting, consider using a cream cheese frosting instead of the lemon glaze for a richer taste. The possibilities are endless—have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your zesty lemon frosted cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—these cookies are delightful even straight from the chill! Enjoy your zesty treats anytime!
Nutritional Information
Each zesty lemon frosted cookie is approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat and 1g of protein. You’ll also find about 20g of carbohydrates and 10g of sugar per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients. Enjoy these delightful treats in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just remember, the taste might not be as vibrant!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this will keep your cookies from flattening out.
Can I make the frosting in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on your cookies.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep your zesty lemon frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they’re not gobbled up first!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze your zesty lemon frosted cookies! Just freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll be just as tasty when you pull them out later!
For more delicious lemon recipes, check out this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe.
Print
Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies: 10 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously tangy cookies topped with a zesty lemon frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Frosting can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for better shaping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: zesty lemon frosted cookies
