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Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Homemade Citrus Treat with Zesty Icing

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Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies with a tender crumb and zesty lemon icing, perfect for any occasion. These cookies are quick, easy, and deliver a nostalgic citrusy comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted (for icing)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for icing)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for icing)
  • A pinch of salt (for icing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons or 20 g each) and roll them lightly in granulated sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers look slightly soft. Cookies should be pale golden, not browned.
  8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional), and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust lemon juice for desired consistency.
  10. Drizzle or spread the lemon icing over cooled cookies. Let icing set for about 20 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for best results. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender. If dough is sticky, chill for 15 minutes before shaping. Watch baking time closely to keep cookies soft. Store in airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. Fresh lemon zest and juice provide best flavor; bottled juice can be used in a pinch. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter and flax eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, soft cookies, lemon icing, citrus cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, lemon dessert

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/soft-lemon-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-citrus-treat-with-zesty-icing/