Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: zesty lemon frosted cookies! These little bites of sunshine are everything you want in a cookie—bright, sweet, and just the right amount of tangy. The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with that refreshing burst of lemon that instantly lifts your spirits. I whip these up for everything from casual get-togethers to special occasions, and they never fail to impress. There’s just something magical about the way the soft cookie pairs with the smooth, zesty frosting. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is always a win in my book!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful zesty lemon frosted cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s bursting with lemony goodness. Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing, and don’t skimp on the lemon zest—it’s what gives these cookies their zesty kick!
How to Prepare Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies
Making zesty lemon frosted cookies is a fun and rewarding process that will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas! Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of these sunshine-infused treats.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it helps your cookies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Trust me, this little step makes cleanup a breeze!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; we’re aiming for tender cookies here!
Forming the Cookies
Now it’s time to drop some cookie dough! Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball for spreading. This ensures they bake evenly and don’t merge into one giant cookie!
Baking and Cooling
Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s super important to let them cool completely before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt right off!
Nutritional Information
These zesty lemon frosted cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also come with some nutritional goodness! Each cookie has approximately 150 calories, with 6g of fat, 2g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these zesty lemon frosted cookies! Here are just a few:
- Easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Bright, refreshing lemon flavor that delights your taste buds.
- Versatile for any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy events.
- Soft and chewy texture with a heavenly frosting that complements the cookie perfectly.
- Great for sharing or gifting—everyone loves a homemade treat!
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself wanting to bake them again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your zesty lemon frosted cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips:
- Adjust the lemon juice: If you like a more tangy flavor, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice to your dough. Just keep in mind that too much can make the dough too wet.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They’ll last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
With these simple tips, you’ll be a cookie-making pro in no time!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of fun ways to mix up your zesty lemon frosted cookies! Try adding a tablespoon of orange or lime zest for a citrus twist that’s equally delightful. You can also fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. And don’t forget about the frosting—switch it up with a cream cheese frosting or a light vanilla glaze for even more deliciousness. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
These zesty lemon frosted cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages! I love serving them alongside a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter with fresh fruit or a light sorbet for a perfect summer treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your zesty lemon frosted cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge. No reheating needed—enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Imprimer
Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies: 5 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Temps Total: 27 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious zesty lemon frosted cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before frosting.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Frost with lemon icing for extra flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice for desired tartness.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: zesty lemon frosted cookies