Description

Are you in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and irresistibly delicious? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookies, topped with a zesty lemon frosting that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and baking tips that will ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Lemon Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 dash salt
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1–2 Tbsp milk, if needed

Instructions

Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking your cookies.
Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and zest, beating until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Shaping: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on lightly greased cookie sheets. For a professional touch, flatten each ball with a glass dipped in sugar to give them a beautiful, even shape.
Baking: Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, or until they are just barely light brown on the bottom. This short baking time is the secret to soft, chewy cookies. Let them sit on the pan for 3-4 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Frosting: For the lemon frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, lemon zest, and juice until creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Decoration: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe the lemon frosting over each cookie. The zesty frosting not only adds flavor but also makes these cookies visually appealing.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 198 kcal per cookie
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Notes

After you’ve baked a batch of these delightful Zesty Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to ensure they’re served at their best and stored properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some expert tips for serving and storing your cookies to make the most out of every batch.

Serving Tips:

At Their Best: These cookies are best enjoyed the day they are frosted. The frosting sets slightly, giving a perfect texture contrast to the soft, chewy cookie beneath.
Presentation: For an added touch of elegance, garnish with a small sprinkle of lemon zest or a thin slice of lemon on top of the frosting before it sets. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also hints at the zesty flavor waiting to be enjoyed.
Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk to complement their zesty sweetness. For adults, a crisp, dry Prosecco or a light Riesling can be a delightful pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the cookies within 2-3 days after baking, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a piece of parchment paper or waxed paper between each layer of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Refrigerating Your Cookies: For longer storage, the frosted cookies can be refrigerated. This is particularly helpful in warm climates where the frosting might soften too much at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between the cookies. They can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freezing for Longevity: Both unfrosted cookies and the frosting can be frozen separately. Wrap the cookies well in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. The frosting should be stored in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw the cookies at room temperature and the frosting in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature to re-whip for spreading.
Refreshing Cookies: If the cookies have been stored and feel a bit less fresh, you can revive them by popping them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This can help them to taste freshly baked again. If they have been stored frosted, a quick blast of cool air from the refrigerator or even a few seconds in the freezer can help the frosting firm up again.