Imagine a cookie so bright and tangy, it captures the essence of a perfect summer day in just one delightful bite! These Lemon Cookies with Lemon Icing are not just a dessert; they're a burst of citrusy happiness that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen newbie, these cookies promise to deliver a refreshing twist that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the lemon icing, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon icing over the top of each cookie.
- Allow the icing to set for 15-20 minutes before serving or storing the cookies.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Zest matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. The oils in fresh zest are more potent than dried zest.
- Don't overmix: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Uniform cookie size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Cool completely before icing: Let cookies cool entirely to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off.
- Store smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.Pro tip: For an extra lemony kick, you can add a tiny pinch of lemon extract to both the cookie dough and the icing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
