Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: A Zesty Delight

If you love the rich, buttery texture of classic butter cookies and crave the bright, tangy flavor of lemon, these Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base and a creamy, citrus-infused frosting, these cookies are sure to brighten up any occasion. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat—perfect for tea time, parties, or as a simple dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup butter, softened (room temperature, not melted)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cornstarch

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 tablespoons very soft butter
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• Dash of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (adjust to preferred consistency)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
   • Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until the dough forms and is well combined.
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   • Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them evenly.
   • Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies should be light and delicate!
   • Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
4. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and a dash of salt until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the lemon zest for a burst of bright flavor, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to spread but still creamy.
5. Frost the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
   • For an extra touch, garnish the frosted cookies with a small twist of lemon zest.

Recipe Tips:

• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures they bake up light and tender.
• Lemon Zest: For an extra punch of lemon flavor, you can add a little more lemon zest to the frosting or even incorporate some into the dough itself.
• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
• Calories: 180 kcal per cookie
• Servings: 24 cookies

These Butter Cookies with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful combination of buttery richness and zesty lemon brightness. They’re simple to make but taste like a gourmet treat, making them perfect for any occasion—from afternoon tea to holiday cookie swaps. The lemon cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy balance to the soft, buttery cookies, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress!

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