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Valentine Frosted Lemon Cookies

Valentine Frosted Lemon Cookies
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Valentine Frosted Lemon Cookies are soft, bright, and festive treats bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice for a tangy-sweet flavor. They feature a perfect texture with chewy centers and lightly crisp edges, topped with creamy, pastel pink or white frosting adorned with sprinkles, making them ideal for celebrations and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or margarine/vegan butter for substitutions)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
  • Food coloring (optional, red or pink for Valentine’s Day)
  • Sprinkles or edible decorations for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth, soft cookie texture. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and enhances the flavor meld.
  3. Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Optionally, gently flatten each dough ball for even baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft.
  4. Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and heavy cream or milk. Adjust the ratios and beat until smooth and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired to create festive hues.
  5. Decorate Your Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on top. Immediately add sprinkles or edible decorations so they adhere well and add charm.

Notes

  • Always use fresh lemon zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Do not overmix the dough; blend ingredients just until combined for tender cookies.
  • Chilling dough is important for clean cookie edges and helps control spreading.
  • Frost cookies only when fully cooled to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Adjust powdered sugar quantities in frosting to balance tartness and sweetness as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cookies, frosted cookies, Valentine cookies, lemon frosting, soft cookies, festive cookies, citrus dessert, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/valentine-frosted-lemon-cookies/