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Lemon Smash Cookies

Prep Time1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time11 minutes
Keyword: lemon cake mix cookies, lemon cookies, lemon smash cookies
Servings: 16 cookies
Calories: 240kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream

Lemon Buttercream:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

Cookie Dough:

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
  • In a mixer, beat butter and both sugars for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy.
  • Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
  • Mix in the sour cream.
  • Add the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms.
  • Cover and chill the dough for 1–2 hours.
  • (This helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the centers soft.)
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (regular bake, no convection).
  • Scoop large dough balls (about 1/4 cup each). Roll smooth and gently flatten the tops slightly. Do not overpress.
  • Place on a parchment-lined, light-colored baking sheet.
  • Bake for 9–11 minutes.
  • The cookies should look pale with set edges and soft, slightly underbaked centers. They will continue to set as they cool.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

Lemon Buttercream:

  • Beat butter until smooth and fluffy. About 5 minutes.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in lemon zest, vanilla, and salt.
  • Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth.
  • Add lemon juice last, a little at a time, until you reach your desired flavor.
  • Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Spread or pipe frosting onto completely cooled cookies.
  • Top with extra lemon zest if you want a little more color and flavor.

Notes

Nutrition information is estimated and will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 120mg | Sugar: 20g