Description
These Frosted Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a soft, buttery lemon-flavored cookie base topped with a creamy lemon frosting. Perfectly balanced with tangy lemon zest and a smooth cream cheese frosting mixed with lemon curd, these cookies offer a refreshing citrus twist that is ideal for gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure lemon extract
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1 cup lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful base for your cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until fully blended to ensure an even rise and texture.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating until a smooth dough forms, ready to be shaped into cookies.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a large ice cream scoop to portion the dough, then roll each portion gently between your hands to form a ball.
- Flatten the Cookies: Spray the bottom of a flat cup with cooking spray, then press it gently onto the dough balls to flatten them into thick disks, preparing them for even baking.
- Repeat for Remaining Dough: Continue scooping and flattening the remaining dough balls on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake one tray at a time in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up properly before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon extract, and lemon curd, beating until smooth and fluffy for a luscious lemon frosting.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the lemon frosting generously over the top of each cookie.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the frosted lemon cookies on a serving platter. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Enjoy your tangy, sweet, and buttery lemon cookies!
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Using fresh lemon zest will enhance the lemon flavor in the cookies.
- Pressing the cookies flat ensures even baking and a soft texture.
- You can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for firmer cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
