Description

These Valentine Frosted Lemon Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat to celebrate love and sweetness. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these cookies strike the ideal balance between tart and sweet, with a velvety smooth texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Their vibrant lemon flavor and festive heart shape make them perfect for Valentine’s Day—or any occasion where you want to spread a little extra joy!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies:
- Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- While the cookies are cooling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more lemon juice or a teaspoon of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- Decorate with extra lemon zest or sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these zesty, sweet treats at your Valentine’s Day celebration or any special occasion, and enjoy the fresh, tangy flavor!

Notes

For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add a bit of lemon zest directly to the frosting.
These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you prefer a firmer frosting, you can chill it for 15 minutes before spreading it on the cookies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Valentine’s Day, Cookies, Lemon
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American