Luscious Lemon Frosted Cookies

1. Combine sugar and zest

Begin by combining the granulated sugar and grated lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until the zest is fully incorporated, infusing the sugar with a delightful lemon aroma and flavor.

2. Mix dry ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the lemon sugar in the food processor. Pulse briefly to mix the dry ingredients evenly.

3. Add butter

Introduce the chilled butter cubes to the dry mixture. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Combine wet ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the food processor and pulse until the dough starts to come together.

5. Shape and chill dough

Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Slice dough

Once the dough is firm, slice it into even rounds using a sharp knife.

8. Bake cookies

Arrange the dough slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

9. Prepare glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

10. Glaze cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of glaze on each one using a small spoon or an offset spatula. Allow the glaze to set before serving.