Description
A playful and colorful cookie treat with a light lemon twist, perfect for celebrations and creating memories with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (optional)
- 4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 9–10 tablespoons room temperature water
- Gel food coloring
- Sanding sugar sprinkles (optional)
- Star sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest, and beat until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until dough forms, adding flour if it’s too sticky.
- Divide dough, roll it to 1/4 inch thickness, and chill for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut dough into shapes and bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
- For icing, mix confectioners sugar, meringue powder, and enough water for desired consistency. Beat until smooth.
- Divide icing and add gel food coloring for desired shades, then decorate cookies.
- Sprinkle with sanding sugar and star sprinkles before icing dries.
Notes
These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. You can freeze cookie dough or royal icing in advance for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg