Description
Soft, pillowy lemon cookies with a tangy-sweet buttercream frosting that stays fresh for days. Made with real lemon zest and juice for bright flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 lemons, zested (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for frosting)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Green gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat on medium speed until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are slightly golden but centers look soft.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add sifted confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Beat on low until combined, then high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost cooled cookies with piping bag or spatula. Sprinkle with extra zest if desired.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Chill dough to prevent spreading. Sift confectioners’ sugar for smooth frosting. Cookies stay soft for days if stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Protein: 2
Keywords: lemon cookies, soft cookies, buttercream frosting, lemon dessert, baking, holiday cookies, make-ahead dessert