Description
These soft frosted lemon sugar cookies are tender, bursting with real citrus flavor, and topped with a bright, tangy frosting. They stay soft for days and are perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or gold sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest by hand.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place ½ cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Portion dough into 1.5-inch balls and roll them in the sugar to coat completely.
- Place balls on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers look soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter for frosting until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time on low speed.
- Increase speed to medium and beat until combined. Add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Adjust frosting consistency with more sugar or liquid as needed.
- Spread frosting on completely cooled cookies using an offset spatula.
- Garnish with sprinkles or extra zest. Let frosting set for 15-20 minutes before storing.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to prevent spreading. Chill dough to maintain shape and texture. Do not overbake; cookies should look soft in the center. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For humid climates, add a piece of bread to the container to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 2
Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, holiday cookies, soft sugar cookies, lemon frosting, easy baking, Christmas treats, make-ahead cookies