Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies

Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery cookies topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. These cookies are a refreshing twist on the classic sugar cookie — bright, zesty, and ideal for spring, summer, or any time you crave citrusy sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are everything a lemon dessert should be: soft, lightly sweetened, and bursting with real lemon flavor. The combination of the tender sugar cookie base and the rich, tangy frosting makes them both comforting and refreshing.

• Bright, fresh lemon flavor
• Soft and thick texture
• Easy to prepare and decorate
• Perfect for parties, showers, and holidays
• Can be made ahead

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream. Mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place on baking sheet and slightly flatten.
7. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked.
8. Cool cookies on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest, and beat until creamy.
10. Once cookies are completely cooled, frost and garnish with additional lemon zest.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Lime or Orange Twist: Swap lemon for lime or orange zest and juice for a citrus variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Piped Frosting: Pipe the frosting on for a more decorative finish.
• Lemon Glaze: Skip the cream cheese and use a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Add Poppy Seeds: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds for added texture and appearance.

Storage/Reheating

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze frosted cookies, freeze in a single layer first, then store in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough and frosting can both be made a day in advance and refrigerated.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is not required but can help prevent the cookies from spreading if your dough is very soft.

Can I freeze the frosted cookies?

Yes, but freeze them in a single layer first to preserve the frosting’s shape.

What kind of lemon juice should I use?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for best flavor.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant as fresh lemon juice and zest.

Can I make these without a mixer?

Yes, but creaming the butter and sugar by hand requires extra effort. A hand or stand mixer is recommended.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Use less powdered sugar and more cream cheese for a tangier, less sweet version.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.

Can I omit the frosting?

You can, though the frosting adds extra lemon flavor and richness.

Are these cookies chewy or cakey?

They are soft and slightly cakey with a tender bite — not crisp.

Conclusion

Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and citrusy. With their bright flavor and elegant appearance, they are well-suited for warm-weather entertaining or a cheerful addition to your year-round baking rotation. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are a crowd-pleasing treat that tastes as lovely as they look.

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