Ingredients
Cookies:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- Pink food coloring, as needed
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pink food coloring, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon extract, and pink food coloring, mixing well for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the food coloring until a deep pink is achieved. Add the flour and baking soda and mix just until combined, careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough and roll into balls. Flatten each ball into a disc about half an inch thick by pressing between your palms. Place the discs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers no longer appear glossy. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a clean stand mixer bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Start mixing on low speed to incorporate all ingredients, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth and fluffy, scrapping down the bowl sides as needed. Add pink food coloring a little at a time until the desired shade is reached.
- Frost the Cookies: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a round swirl onto each cooled cookie, starting from the center and moving outward in a spiral motion. Repeat for all cookies and serve or store once set.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the dough or frosting.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works well for both dough and frosting.
- These cookies can be made ahead and frozen; thaw before frosting for best results.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color with less liquid impact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
