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Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Royal Icing for Every Occasion

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These lemon sugar cookies feature a bright, zesty lemon flavor with a soft center and crunchy edges, topped with smooth, sweet royal icing. Perfect for any occasion, they are quick, easy, and nostalgic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites (or 5 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites)
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Dough will be soft but not sticky.
  6. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  7. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For flat cookies, gently press dough balls with the bottom of a sugar-dipped glass.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden. Centers may look soft but will firm as they cool. Avoid overbaking.
  9. Transfer cookies to cooling racks and cool completely before icing.
  10. To prepare royal icing, beat powdered sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. Add lemon juice if desired. Thin icing with water to piping consistency.
  11. Fill piping bags with icing and decorate cookies. Let icing dry completely for 2-4 hours or overnight for best results.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to control spreading and achieve a tender center. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For safer royal icing, use pasteurized egg whites. Let icing dry fully at room temperature to avoid smudging. Oven temperatures vary; watch cookies closely to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, royal icing, lemon cookies, easy cookies, holiday cookies, baking, dessert, lemon zest, lemon juice

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/perfect-lemon-sugar-cookies-recipe-with-easy-royal-icing-for-every-occasion/