Refreshing and Zesty: Iced Lemon Cookies Recipe
Are you looking for a sweet and tangy treat to brighten up your day? Look no further than our iced lemon cookies recipe! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and glazed to perfection, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings for something fresh and delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or just looking for a tasty snack, our iced lemon cookies are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients, making them a budget-friendly option for any occasion.
But don’t let their simplicity fool you – these cookies pack a punch in the flavor department. The combination of tart lemon juice and sweet confectioners’ sugar creates a perfectly balanced glaze that will have your taste buds singing.
So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible treats. Our iced lemon cookies recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Iced Lemon Cookies recipe, a culinary marvel that is bound to delight your taste buds with its refreshing lemony flavor. There are countless reasons why you’re going to love this recipe, and I’m here to highlight a few of them.
Firstly, these cookies are easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients that are easily accessible at any grocery store. You don’t need fancy equipment or extensive baking skills to create a batch of these delectable cookies.
Secondly, the combination of lemon zest and juice produces a refreshing burst of tartness that balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of sugar. The end result is a cookie that’s neither too sweet nor too sour but hits just the right spot in terms of flavor.
Thirdly, these cookies have a soft texture that is simply irresistible. They are slightly chewy on the inside while being crisp around the edges, making each bite an enjoyable experience for your palate.
Finally, the iced lemon glaze adds a smooth and creamy finish that ties everything together. It not only looks stunning on top of the cookies but also enhances their flavors, making them even more delicious.
In conclusion, there’s no doubt that you’re going to love this Iced Lemon Cookies recipe. It’s easy to make, has a delightful lemon flavor and texture, and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or indulging in them yourself, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. So why wait? Grab your apron and start baking!
Ingredient List
Before we dive into making these tasty iced lemon cookies, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- For the icing:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to put on your apron and get your measuring cups ready because we are going to make some iced lemon cookies! This recipe will yield about 2 dozen chewy and tangy cookies smothered with sweet glaze. You can prepare them in less than an hour, so it’s perfect for a last-minute treat or for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.
Let’s take a closer look at the recipe how-to.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel (zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Note: you can adjust the tanginess of the glaze by adding more or less lemon juice according to your preference.
Instructions
Step One: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Step Two: Cream the wet ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Step Three: Incorporate the moisture
Add in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice gradually while continuing to mix.
Step Four: Add in the dry ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to combine with wet ingredients. Separate dough into two segments and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for at least an hour.
Step Five: Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
Step Six: Shape cookie dough
Take out one segment of dough out of the fridge and roll it into small balls about an inch in diameter. Space each ball about two inches apart on your baking sheet. Flatten each ball of dough using your thumb or fingers. Repeat with each remaining ball of dough discard any leftover dough that wasn’t used.
Step Seven: Bake!
Bake for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden brown around edges. Take out of oven and let cool on rack before icing them.
Step Eight: Make Lemon Glaze Icing
While cooling whisk together all glaze ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl until completely smooth. Once cookies have cooled completely spread icing over cookies then let it set soft for about an hour before serving.
Congratulations! You have successfully baked your own batch of delightful iced lemon cookies. Wait no more and treat yourself with these tangy treats now!.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to put a spin on this classic recipe for iced lemon cookies. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to try:
– Gluten-Free: For those with dietary restrictions and gluten sensitivity, you can replace the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour, or use a gluten-free cake mix instead.
– Honey Lemon: Add honey to the glaze mixture for a sweet twist on the classic recipe.
– Buttercream Frosting: Instead of using the traditional glaze, try topping your cookies with a delicious buttercream frosting. Mix butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest together for a creamy and tangy frosting.
– Orange Zest: Swap out the lemon zest and juice for orange zest and juice for a refreshing citrusy variation.
– Lemon Bars: Transform this cookie recipe into lemon bars by pressing the dough into a baking dish and baking it for 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut it into squares and top with powdered sugar before serving.
– Chewy Lemon Cookies: Brown sugar adds extra moisture to produce chewier cookies while leaving out lemon juice in the icing also gives more texture to the finished product.
These substitutions provide various alternative flavor profiles that cater to different taste preferences. Experiment on one or two substitutions at a time until you discover your next new favorite rendition of this beloved cookie recipe.
Serving and Pairing
These iced lemon cookies are not only delicious but also visually pleasing. Their beautiful glaze makes them perfect for serving as an afternoon tea-time treat, at a brunch or for any occasion where you want to showcase a delightful dessert.
The refreshing acidity of the lemon flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, black tea or even an iced tea on a hot summer day. You could also enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a nice sweet white wine.
I recommend serving these iced lemon cookies on a platter, preferably with some fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. The burst of sweetness from the fruit complements the zesty brightness of the lemon icing and provides an extra layer of texture and flavor to your dessert.
If you want to create an eye-catching dessert display, consider serving these iced lemon cookies alongside other baked goods such as brownies, cakes, muffins or even savory treats like sandwiches and quiches. The cookies are versatile enough to complement many different flavors and textures.
Finally, don’t forget to share your delicately sweet and sour masterpiece with friends, family or coworkers. These iced lemon cookies make beautiful gifts or party favors that are sure to impress any recipient!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about these Iced Lemon Cookies is that they can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later. When it comes to making them ahead of time, there are two main options to consider.
Firstly, you could make the cookie dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for around 15-20 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Alternatively, you could fully bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to one week. If you’ve iced them already, make sure that the icing has fully set before stacking them up.
When it comes to reheating the cookies, there’s really no need to do so as they’re just as delicious cold! However, if you’d like them warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for around 5 minutes until they’re warmed through.
As with any cookies, make sure that you store them properly so that they don’t go stale or become too soggy. You may want to separate layers of cookies with wax paper or parchment paper in your container.
Enjoy these cookies as a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee, or just as a sweet snack on their own. These Iced Lemon Cookies have such a bright and zesty flavor that they will instantly perk up even the gloomiest mood!
Tips for Perfect Results
To elevate your iced lemon cookie game, mastering these tips can make a big difference in the final result. So grab a pen, let’s dive into some helpful tips for perfecting your iced lemon cookie recipe.
Firstly, when making your dough, it is essential to measure your ingredients precisely. Baking is all about accuracy and the ratio of each ingredient can significantly impact the taste and texture of your cookies. To ensure you’re measuring ingredients correctly, use measuring cups and spoons rather than eye-balling it. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning to mix them together; this will help them blend smoothly.
When rolling out the dough, it’s crucial not to throw flour on the surface area excessively. Doing so can make the dough dry and cause cracks. Instead, roll the dough directly into sugar or powdered sugar to leave a sweet coating on your cookies while keeping them soft and moist.
If you’re looking to increase the lemon flavor in your cookies, substitute some of the liquid ingredients with fresh lemon juice or add extra lemon zest to the recipe. The zest contains oils that will bring out the lemon essence even more. However, be careful not to use too much liquid as it could make for sticky dough.
When baking cookies in general, avoid over-baking them as they can easily become dry and hard. Aim for just underbaking rather than overbaking; baking time can vary depending on oven temperature, cookie size, and thickness.
Finally, when frosting or icing your cookies, ensure they are entirely cooled first; otherwise, you risk melting your glaze or frosting. Also, if not serving immediately, store your glazed or frosted Lemon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature away from sunlight as sunlight might melt away the frosting.
Now you have tips for perfect frosty glazed lemon cookies that taste delicious and stay soft and chewy. Apply these simple tips while making your next batch of iced Lemon Cookies Recipe for effortless perfection!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of citrusy desserts, these iced lemon cookies are a must-try recipe. The zesty lemon flavor combined with the sweet glaze make for a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this cookie recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, there are plenty of options for substitutions and variations, so you can customize it to your liking.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just looking for a tasty snack, these iced lemon cookies will not disappoint. So grab your apron and mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy the fresh and tangy taste of these delicious treats!
Iced Lemon Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsifted flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup reconstituted lemon juice
For glaze
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons reconstituted lemon juice
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking powder and soda into large bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and lemon juice to sugar mixture.
- Chill dough 1 hour.
- On floured surface, roll half of dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut cookies out.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes.
- Glaze:
- Mix sugar and lemon juice together.
- Once cookies have cooled, top with glaze.
- Let set before eating.
Your Own Notes
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.