Lemon cookies are a refreshing and irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion. With their bright, tangy flavor and tender, buttery texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Made with fresh lemon zest and juice, they offer a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cookies
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and juice gives these cookies a bright and tangy flavor.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and tender on the inside with slightly crisp edges.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples and fresh lemons.
- Delightfully Sweet: The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Versatile and Easy: Suitable for any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday treats.
Lemon Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup )
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup sugar (for rolling cookies)
Optional Add-ons
- White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Poppy seeds for a delightful crunch
- A teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor complexity
- Glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a finishing touch
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative look
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Cookies
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat 2 sticks of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender and airy texture. Creaming the butter and sugar usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the Lemon Zest and Juice:
- Add 3 tablespoons of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined. The zest and juice infuse the dough with a bright, tangy flavor.
- Incorporate the Egg:
- Add 1 large egg to the mixture, beating well until fully incorporated. The egg helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Form the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. The dough should be firm but pliable.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Roll the Dough:
- Prepare the Rolling Sugar:
- Place 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls, giving them an extra layer of sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Form the Dough Balls:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls about the size of a walnut, which is roughly 1 inch in diameter. Rolling the dough into evenly-sized balls ensures uniform baking. If you find the dough sticking to your hands, lightly dust them with flour.
- Coat with Sugar:
- Roll each dough ball in the prepared dish of sugar until it is evenly coated. This step adds a delightful sweetness and slight crunch to the exterior of the cookie, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the Dough Balls:
- Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking. Proper spacing ensures the cookies bake evenly without merging.
- Flatten the Dough Balls (Optional):
- For a more uniform shape, you can slightly flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. This step is optional and depends on your preferred cookie texture and appearance.
Bake:
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 – 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still appear slightly undercooked, but they will continue to set as they cool. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Check for Doneness:
- Look for cookies with lightly golden edges and a set center. If you prefer a chewier cookie, remove them from the oven when the centers are still slightly soft. For a crisper texture, bake for an additional 2 – 3 minutes.
Cool on Wire Rack:
- Initial Cooling:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This short resting period helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to transfer without breaking.
- Transfer to Wire Rack:
- After the initial cooling period, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulates around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy and helping them achieve the perfect texture.
Storage and Serving
- Storage: Store the lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
- Serving: These cookies are best served at room temperature and can be paired with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They make a delightful addition to any dessert platter or afternoon treat.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly grated lemon zest and squeezed lemon juice provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the brightness and freshness of real lemons.
- Properly Measure the Flour: Spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much, which can result in dry cookies. Using a kitchen scale for accuracy is recommended.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to shape and helps the cookies retain their form during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake and remove them from the oven when the edges are just set. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies.
Variations
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a delightful crunch and a combination of flavors.
- Iced Lemon Cookies: Top the cooled cookies with a lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Lemon White Chocolate Cookies: Fold in white chocolate chips for a rich and creamy twist on the classic lemon cookie.
- Lemon Almond Cookies: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
- Lemon Coconut Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical variation that’s sure to impress.
In Conclusion
Lemon cookies bring together tangy, fresh lemon flavors with a tender, buttery texture that simply melts in your mouth. These cookies are not only easy to make but are also universally loved, making them the perfect treat for any event. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, a special gathering, or just craving a zesty sweet snack, lemon cookies are bound to add a bright spot to your day and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy your baking adventure!