Sweet and Zesty: Try These Irresistible Lemon Cookies with Fresh Lemon Icing

Photo byAngie Bright

A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite: Lemon Cookies with Zesty Lemon Icing

If you're looking for a sweet treat that balances a delicate tang with a refreshing citrusy punch, look no further than these Lemon Cookies with Zesty Lemon Icing. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is brightened up by the natural zest of fresh lemons. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but their cheery flavor can also bring a bit of sunshine to your day, no matter the season.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery cookie that's just the right amount of sweet, with a burst of fresh lemon zest in every bite. Then, as you finish, you get the final touch—a smooth layer of icing that's packed with even more lemon flavor, balancing sweetness with tang in perfect harmony. These cookies are perfect for lemon lovers, but even if you're not a citrus fanatic, their light and fresh flavor can quickly win you over.

Why Lemon Cookies Are So Loved

Lemon cookies are a favorite because they offer a refreshing alternative to the richer, heavier treats like chocolate or peanut butter cookies. They manage to strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart, and their vibrant lemon flavor makes them ideal for spring and summer events. They are also easy to prepare, making them a go-to dessert for novice bakers and experienced home cooks alike.

Recipe for Lemon Cookies with Zesty Lemon Icing

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Icing:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter mixture, add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix just until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Scoop the Dough: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, place rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Once done, transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before icing.
8. Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth.
9. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon icing over the top. Let the icing set on the cooling rack before serving or storing.

These Lemon Cookies with Zesty Lemon Icing are the perfect combination of soft, buttery cookie and tangy, sweet icing. Whether you're baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply craving something lemony, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The icing hardens just enough to keep its glossy finish while still being soft to bite into—making every bite a delightful experience.

When you bake these lemon cookies, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re baking a treat that’s light, fun, and bursting with a bright, sunny flavor. Pair them with a cup of tea, or enjoy them on their own, and you’ll find they can brighten up any day.

Here's a delightful recipe for Lemon Cookies with Zesty Lemon Icing that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of a soft, buttery cookie. These cookies are perfect for citrus lovers and make for a refreshing treat any time of year. Their soft texture and the zing from fresh lemon zest make them irresistible.

For a great balance of flavors, the cookies themselves have a mild lemon flavor, but the icing adds a strong, tangy finish, enhancing the lemony punch of the dessert.

To make the cookies:

1. Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Then, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, followed by adding lemon zest, juice, and vanilla extract. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies soft and light.
3. Bake the cookies for about 10–12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden.
4. After the cookies cool, drizzle or spread the lemon icing, made by whisking together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest.

This recipe is quite popular due to its balance of sweetness and tartness, and the icing adds the perfect finishing touch, making these cookies a hit with everyone​Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking​Baked Abundance​Creations by Kara.