lemon sugar cookies with lemon cream cheese frosting.

if you are a lemon lover like me, you will f-reak over these cookies.  they are some of my new favorites.  i made them last week and i'm really mad i'm not eating one right now as i type this.  grrrr.

ingredients:

 1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

for the frosting:

1/4 cup butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3-4 cups powdered sugar

pinch of salt

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice {or more if you like a more lemony flavor}

directions:

preheat oven to 350 degrees.  in the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter, shortening, and sugar until fluffy.  add vanilla, egg, and lemon zest; mix.  in a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda.  add dry ingredients to mixer and combine.  add milk and lemon juice and stir until completely incorporated.  roll dough into tablespoon sized balls and place on a greased baking sheet.  bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are just beginning to turn golden on the edges.  remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

to make the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and well mixed.  add vanilla, powdered sugar and salt until smooth and then mix in fresh lemon juice until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.  spread on cookies and add sprinkles.

makes about 3 dozen cookies.

recipe via lulu the baker.