Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies

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Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies are soft, buttery cookies bursting with fresh citrus flavor and topped with a smooth, tangy lemon frosting. Made with real lemon zest and juice, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing.

This homemade lemon cookie recipe is a favorite for spring and summer baking, but it’s just as enjoyable year-round when you’re craving something bright and cheerful. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver bakery-style results right from your kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just yourself, these lemon frosted cookies are a reliable, crowd-pleasing treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple steps that are perfect for beginner bakers
• Fresh lemon flavor using real citrus
• Soft, tender cookies with creamy frosting
• Ideal for parties, holidays, or everyday treats
• Made with affordable pantry staples

About the Ingredients

Unsalted Butter

Butter provides richness and structure, creating a soft and tender cookie. Using unsalted butter allows better control over flavor balance.

Lemon Zest

Lemon zest delivers intense citrus flavor without adding extra liquid. It’s the key to that bold, fresh lemon taste.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh juice adds brightness and a light tang that balances the sweetness of both the cookie and frosting.

All-Purpose Flour

This flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and slightly cakey.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar creates a smooth, creamy frosting that spreads easily and sets beautifully on the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing
• Zest lemons before juicing for easier prep
• Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies
• Slightly underbake for soft centers
• Always frost cookies after they cool completely

Pro Tips

• Add a small splash of vanilla extract to deepen flavor
• Pipe frosting for a polished, bakery-style finish
• Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for color and aroma
• Chill frosted cookies briefly for easier stacking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until smooth and fragrant.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft. Let the cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, then mix in the lemon zest and juice. Add heavy cream as needed until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost each one and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

Variations

• Use orange or lime zest for a citrus twist
• Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough
• Skip frosting and dust with powdered sugar
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
• Make sandwich cookies with frosting in the center

How to Store

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days
• Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cookies in advance and frost them the next day.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.

How do I keep the cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it doubles well for parties or events.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies and frost after thawing.

Caroline

Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies

Soft, buttery lemon cookies topped with a bright and creamy lemon frosting. These zesty treats are perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, making them ideal for parties, gifting, or freezing ahead.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (for frosting)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• baking sheets
• parchment paper
• measuring cups and spoons
• hand mixer or whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
8. Beat frosting ingredients together until smooth and creamy, adding cream if needed.
9. Frost cooled cookies and garnish if desired.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, increase the zest slightly without adding more juice to avoid changing the dough texture. These cookies freeze well unfrosted for up to 2 months.

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