- All-purpose flour (for the base of your cookies)
- Unsalted butter (softened, for best results when frosting)
- Granulated sugar (to enhance the sweetness of your cookies)
- Baking powder (to help with the leavening process)
- Lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons, to add a bright citrus flavor)
- Lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon, or more as needed, for that zesty taste)
- Egg whites (for binding and texture in the cookies)
- Vanilla extract (a subtle addition to complement lemon flavors)
- Confectioners' sugar (key ingredient for your buttercream frosting)
- Margarine or softened unsalted butter (for a smooth, creamy consistency in the frosting)
- Lemon extract (optional but recommended for a stronger lemon flavor in the frosting)
- Milk (a few tablespoons, if needed to adjust the frosting's thickness)
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Steps
### Easy Buttercream Frosting Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- **Cookies:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (8 tablespoons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- **Buttercream Frosting:**
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (8 tablespoons)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest of one lemon for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
**Prep Time:** 25 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 35 minutes (plus cooling time)
---
#### **Making the Cookies:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Egg and Lemon Zest:**
- Add in the egg and lemon zest; mix well to combine.
- Stir in the flour mixture alternately with milk in three parts, beginning and ending with the flour.
5. **Shape Cookies:**
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. **Bake:**
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
---
#### **Making the Buttercream Frosting:**
1. **Prepare Ingredients:**
- While your cookies cool, in another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings:**
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk; mix well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon extract and zest to taste.
3. **Adjust Consistency:**
- If frosting is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
4. **Frosting Cookies:**
- Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread the buttercream over each cookie using a piping bag and decorating tip, or a knife for an easier application.
5. **Garnish (Optional):**
- Sprinkle with additional lemon zest or other decorative elements to enhance your presentation.
---
#### **Storage Tips:**
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unbuttercreamed and unfrosted cookies; reapply frosting before serving.
#### **SEO Keywords:**
- Buttercream Frosting
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By following these steps, you’ll be able to create delicious buttercream frosted lemon sugar cookies that are perfect for any special occasion or just a casual snack. Enjoy your baking!