Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Royal Icing

Step 1

Beat butter and sugar on high speed using an electric mixer until well combined.

Step 2

Add in egg yolk, egg, lemon zest, lemon extract and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined.

Step 3

Lower mixer speed and begin adding in salt, baking powder, and flour until combined.

Step 4

Form dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 2 hours.

Step 5

Once chilled let dough come to room temperature about 3 minutes before rolling out on a lightly floured surface.

Step 6

Begin cutting out your desired shapes (I used an egg, tulip, and bunny) and lay onto your parchment lined baking sheets. Bake cookies at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Step 7

Beat egg whites with electric mixer (or hand mixer) until they are frothy.

Step 8

With mixer on low speed, begin slowly adding in the confectioner's sugar one cup at a time.

Step 9

Add lemon extract and lemon juice and continue mixing until smooth. This thicker consistency is perfect to line your cookie shapes. To thin the icing for filling in the cookie add one teaspoon (I only used 1-2 teaspoons) of lemon juice at a time until the icing is slightly runny.