These Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream are the perfect dessert to bring some brightness to your day. The soft, tender cookies have a zesty lemon flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smooth and creamy frosting on top.
The light lemon frosting complements the cookies’ sweetness, adding a tangy twist. These cookies are perfect for serving at parties, bringing to a family gathering, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. They’re a refreshing treat that combines the best of citrus flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup whole milk
For the Lemon Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the lemon cream frosting on top of the cooled cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 20 cookies
Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream: A Perfect Combination of Sweet and Tangy
Lemon cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. When you add a luscious lemon cream frosting to these cookies, the combination becomes irresistible. These cookies have a light and fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream topping. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a refreshing dessert, these lemon cookies with lemon cream are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and brighten your day.
The appeal of lemon desserts lies in their ability to offer a refreshing twist to traditional sweets. The citrusy flavor of lemon provides a zesty and uplifting note to any dessert, making it perfect for those who enjoy something a little different from the usual chocolate-based treats. Lemon cookies, in particular, are loved for their delicate balance of sweet and tart, and when paired with the creamy frosting, they become an even more delightful indulgence.
The Versatility of Lemon Cookies
One of the best things about lemon cookies is their versatility. They can be made as soft or crispy as you prefer, with the lemon flavor infusing every bite. You can experiment with different textures depending on your baking time, creating chewy cookies with slightly crispy edges or perfectly soft cookies that melt in your mouth.
Additionally, lemon cookies are highly customizable. While the traditional recipe calls for lemon juice and zest, you can switch things up by adding other complementary flavors like lavender, ginger, or even coconut. For those who love an extra citrus kick, you can increase the amount of lemon zest or incorporate other citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, for a multi-citrus experience.
Why Lemon Cream Frosting Takes These Cookies to the Next Level
The frosting for these lemon cookies is where the magic happens. Lemon cream frosting is smooth, creamy, and the perfect counterpart to the slightly firm texture of the cookies. The tangy cream cheese base of the frosting enhances the lemon flavor, making each bite a burst of citrusy goodness.
This frosting adds a luxurious finish to the cookies, making them feel even more indulgent. You can spread it generously over the top or use it as a light drizzle for a more subtle approach. Either way, the lemon cream frosting is the star that ties everything together. If you’re a fan of frosting, you’ll love how it complements the lemon flavor and adds a rich, creamy texture to each bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Lemon cookies with lemon cream are a versatile treat suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday party, or just for a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Their bright, citrusy flavor makes them an excellent choice for spring and summer celebrations, such as Easter or a summer picnic. However, their light, fresh taste can bring joy to any time of the year.
If you’re looking for a dessert to take to a party or potluck, these lemon cookies are a great option. They are easy to transport and can be prepared in large batches. The visually appealing look of the cookies, with their soft golden color and creamy lemon frosting, will catch everyone’s attention and make them a crowd favorite.
How to Store and Serve Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream
Once your lemon cookies with lemon cream are baked and frosted, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. These cookies should be stored in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale. If you have leftovers, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them, though this may cause the frosting to firm up slightly.
For a slightly firmer texture, you can store the cookies in the fridge and enjoy them cold. The cream frosting will hold up well and can even be served slightly chilled for a refreshing treat. If you prefer softer cookies, store them at room temperature and enjoy them within a few days.
When it comes to serving, these cookies are perfect for tea time, casual gatherings, or as a dessert after dinner. Pair them with a cup of hot tea, lemonade, or coffee to complement their zesty flavor. The cookies also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter, where their bright color and creamy frosting stand out among other treats.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream
For the best lemon cookies with lemon cream, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor. The zest contains essential oils that add an extra burst of lemony goodness, so don’t skip it!
Second, make sure to properly cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft and tender cookie texture. Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can result in dense cookies, so mix just until everything is incorporated.
Third, when making the lemon cream frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before beating them together. This ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps. Don’t forget to taste the frosting and adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your liking—some may prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, while others will enjoy a stronger citrus punch.
Lastly, if you like a little extra texture in your cookies, you can add finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough. These will add a nice crunch and pair wonderfully with the soft texture of the cookies.
Conclusion
Lemon cookies with lemon cream are a refreshing, sweet treat that combines the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The addition of creamy lemon frosting elevates these cookies, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a citrusy snack, these cookies are a great choice. Their versatility, light texture, and bold flavor make them a favorite for many. With a few tips and a bit of creativity, you can easily make these cookies your own and enjoy a delicious treat any time of the year. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to these delightful lemon cookies with lemon cream frosting—you won’t regret it!