Zesty Lemon Butter Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Soft, buttery, and delightfully tangy, these butter cookies with lemon cream cheese frosting dance on the edge of pure dessert perfection.

The classic cookie base melts effortlessly in your mouth, creating a sublime texture that whispers comfort.

Zesty lemon cream cheese frosting adds a bright, unexpected twist to this traditional treat.

Each bite brings a delicate balance of richness and citrus brightness that makes these cookies irresistible.

The simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that feels both homey and sophisticated.

with just a few straightforward steps, you can create a batch of cookies that will vanish quickly from the plate.

These delectable morsels are sure to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

Total Time: 45-48 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 25

Serve Butter Cookies with Lemon Frosting at Parties

• Elegant Tea Party Plating: Arrange these delicate butter cookies on a vintage porcelain platter, creating a beautiful display that showcases their delicate lemon-infused frosting and golden edges.
• Summer Dessert Picnic Partner: Pack these zesty cookies in a charming Mason jar as a perfect companion for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or garden parties – they're lightweight and travel beautifully.
• Afternoon Coffee Companion: Pair these buttery, citrusy cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a smooth cappuccino, allowing the lemon cream cheese frosting to complement the rich coffee flavors for a delightful mid-afternoon treat.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a pastel ribbon, creating a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes incredibly personal – perfect for hostess gifts or unexpected visitors.

Best Tips for Storing Frosted Butter Cookies

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep frosted cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. These delicate treats stay fresh for 3-5 days when chilled, maintaining their soft texture and zesty flavor profile.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Unfrosted cookies can be safely frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them carefully in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before adding the lemon cream cheese frosting.
• Counter Life Span: Unfrosted butter cookies remain delicious at room temperature for 4-5 days when stored in a sealed container. Ensure the space is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup that could compromise their delicate texture.
• Smart Batch Preparation: Create multiple batches of cookie dough in advance. Raw dough can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 4 weeks, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade cookies whenever a craving strikes without starting from scratch each time.

What You’ll Need for Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Butter: Provides rich, luxurious flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a smooth, fine cookie crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and ensures the perfect cookie consistency with a light, crisp bite.
• Cornstarch: Creates an incredibly soft, delicate texture that makes these cookies wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Combine to create a silky, tangy base that provides creamy richness and depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and tangy notes of the frosting.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy freshness and aromatic intensity to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect smooth, spreadable consistency for frosting.

Tools That Help Bake Butter Cookies with Lemon Frosting

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter, mixing dough, and preparing frosting.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for creating smooth, fluffy butter and beating frosting ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking sheet: Needed to bake the cookies evenly.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
• Plastic wrap: Used to chill and rest the cookie dough.
• Small spatula or offset spatula: Great for spreading frosting smoothly.
• Zester or grater: Helps create delicate lemon zest for flavor and garnish.

Instructions for Making Butter Cookies with Lemon Frosting

• Dough Foundation

Mix softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Gently fold in flour and cornstarch, creating a soft texture. Wrap the mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for a cool-down period.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll chilled dough into delicate round balls. Arrange them on a baking surface with gentle spacing.

• Baking Magic

Warm the oven to a gentle temperature. Slide the cookie tray inside and bake until edges transform into a soft golden hue. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

• Zesty Topping Creation

Blend cream cheese and butter until silky. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest for a bright pop of flavor. Fold in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a luxurious, spreadable consistency.

• Final Flourish

Once cookies have reached room temperature, lavish each one with the creamy lemon frosting. Add a delicate lemon zest twist for an elegant finishing touch.

Add-On Ideas for Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Butter Baking Brilliance: Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' delicate shape during baking.
• Frosting Finesse: Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, perfect topping.
• Zesty Lemon Boost: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime for unique flavor variations that complement the buttery base.
• Storage Smart: Store these cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to keep them fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.
• Texture Tweak: For a crunchier texture, roll the dough balls in fine sugar before baking to create a delicate, crystalline exterior that adds a subtle sweetness and crackle.

Irresistible Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45-48 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful butter cookies with lemon cream cheese frosting offer a zesty twist on classic sweet treats. Creamy, tangy frosting complements rich butter cookies, creating a perfect balance you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (227 g/8 oz) butter, softened
• 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g/5.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (90 g/3.2 oz) cornstarch
• 2 ½ cups (300 g/10.6 oz) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 dash salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Whip softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a velvety, light pale consistency.
2. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour and cornstarch into the butter mixture, creating a cohesive dough that integrates all dry ingredients seamlessly.
3. Chilling Process: Encase the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and the dough to firm up for easy shaping.
4. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), positioning the rack centrally to ensure uniform baking.
5. Cookie Shaping and Baking: Retrieve the chilled dough, shape into 1-inch spheres, and arrange methodically on an ungreased baking sheet with adequate spacing. Bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
6. Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack for complete cooling. Meanwhile, blend softened butter, cream cheese, and salt until smooth, then incorporate lemon zest and powdered sugar to create a luxurious, spreadable frosting.
7. Finishing Touches: Once cookies reach room temperature, generously spread lemon cream cheese frosting and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an elegant, vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and creates a more compact, tender cookie texture.
• Uniform Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent 1-inch cookie spheres for even baking and professional presentation.
• Watch Baking Carefully: Golden edges are the perfect doneness indicator; avoid over-baking to maintain the cookies’ delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Frosting Consistency is Key: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg