Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies Recipe

Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, these Zesty Lemon Frosted Cookies are sunshine in every bite! Topped with a creamy lemon frosting, they’re the ultimate sweet-tart treat for springtime, summer parties, or whenever you need a little citrusy cheer. Quick, easy, and oh-so-irresistible!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  6. Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon portions and place on prepared baking sheets.

  7. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft.

  8. Let cookies cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

For the Frosting:

 

  1. Beat softened butter until smooth.

  2. Slowly add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

  3. Add milk as needed to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.

  4. Frost cooled cookies generously and let set.

Notes

  • Don’t overbake — the cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

  • Want an even stronger lemon kick? Add a few drops of lemon extract to the frosting!

  • Cookies can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.

 

  • You can swap lemon for lime or orange for a fun twist!

  • Author: cookspotlight
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon frosting, soft lemon cookies, easy lemon cookies, frosted lemon cookies