Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your day, these Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting are just the ticket! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries. Perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes them extra special is how easy they are to make. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in whipping up these soft, chewy cookies. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to celebrate spring and all the fresh flavors it brings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and strawberry creates a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to make these cookies, especially when it comes to frosting them!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake the cookies in advance and put them together when you’re ready to serve—perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, picnics, or just as an everyday delight at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. These items come together beautifully to create our delicious Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting.

For the Cookies

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (219 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (softened but not starting to melt)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the Strawberry Frosting

• 8 ounces strawberries (226 grams) (cored)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (168 grams) (slightly softened but not starting to melt)
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar (330-440 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (15 ml) (if needed)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and perfect for experimenting! Here are a few ways you can switch things up:

• Try Different Berries: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist on flavor.
• Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm hint of spice in the cookie dough.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delicious alternative.
• Change Up the Frosting: Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or whipped coconut cream for variety.

How to Make Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, good preparation is key!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Now it’s time to add in your room temperature egg along with lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The citrusy extracts will infuse your cookies with that lovely bright flavor we adore!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto lined baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop since they will spread as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Frosting

While those tasty cookies cool down, let’s make our strawberry frosting! Puree the cored strawberries in a blender until smooth. In another bowl, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add pureed strawberries and salt; mix until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread some frosting on one cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat this step until all cookies are frosted!

Enjoy every delightful bite of these Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting! They’re best shared with friends and family—so don’t forget to spread that joy around!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect lemon sandwich cookies with strawberry frosting!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemons and strawberries will enhance the flavor of your cookies, making them taste vibrant and full of life. You’ll notice a significant difference in the taste compared to using bottled extracts or frozen berries.
• Chill the dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and ensures that your cookies maintain their shape. This step is crucial for achieving those lovely, thick cookies that are perfect for sandwiching.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture we all love.
• Adjust frosting consistency: If your strawberry frosting seems too thick after adding powdered sugar, mix in a tablespoon of heavy cream to achieve a smooth and spreadable texture. This will make it easier to pipe or spread between your cookies.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated if you prefer a chilled treat, but let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting

These lemon sandwich cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing and make for a wonderful treat any time of year! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the lemon and strawberry flavors perfectly.
• Lemon zest sprinkle: A light sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest on top adds an extra zing and enhances the citrus aroma without overwhelming the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade pairs beautifully with these cookies, creating a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus will add freshness and complement the sweetness of your cookies.
• Herbal tea: Serving these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying your treats.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream alongside these cookies turns dessert into an indulgent experience that’s sure to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll elevate your lemon sandwich cookies with strawberry frosting to an unforgettable dessert experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These lemon sandwich cookies with strawberry frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or save them for a special occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.

Freezing

• Place the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding lemon sandwich cookies with strawberry frosting.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Yes, frozen strawberries will work just fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before blending into your frosting.

How do I make Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the powdered sugar in the frosting or add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

Can I substitute other fruits for the strawberry frosting?

Absolutely! You can try raspberries or blueberries, just ensure they are fresh or properly thawed if using frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful lemon sandwich cookies with strawberry frosting! The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberry is simply irresistible. Enjoy sharing this treat with friends and family—or savoring them all by yourself. Happy baking!