These Lemon Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. The perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the lemon zest and juice makes them a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them for tea time, a family gathering, or just a snack, these lemon cookies are sure to brighten your day. The light, buttery texture combined with a delicate lemon glaze makes these cookies irresistible!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 20 cookies
Cuisine
These lemon cookies are inspired by classic American baking, with the bright citrus flavor of lemon elevating the traditional butter cookie to something special. Lemon desserts are popular in many cuisines, and these cookies bring a fresh twist to the cookie jar.
Full List of Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (5 g)
- ½ tsp baking soda (2 g)
- ¼ tsp salt (1 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (125 g)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for extra flavor, optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal of the cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Lemon Flavoring:
Add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and egg to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a neater appearance, you can gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and free of lumps.
9. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, drizzle the lemon glaze over each cookie. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the lemon cookies once the glaze has hardened slightly. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing treat!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Lemon-flavored desserts have long been a favorite in many cultures, particularly in European and American baking traditions. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a bright and refreshing flavor that pairs well with buttery cookies. Lemon cookies have been a popular choice for summer gatherings, tea parties, and holiday baking due to their light, refreshing taste and easy preparation.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Fresh Flavor: The lemony sweetness combined with a tangy glaze creates a delightful balance that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and come together in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth with every bite.
- Versatile: The cookies can be decorated with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are a treat, they offer some small nutritional benefits:
- Vitamin C: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and helps protect the body from free radicals.
- Low in Protein: While the cookies themselves aren’t a source of protein, they do provide a quick energy boost thanks to the carbohydrates in the sugar and flour.
Serving Suggestions
- With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, green tea, or coffee.
- For Parties: Serve these cookies at your next gathering or party as a delightful and refreshing dessert.
- As a Snack: Enjoy these cookies as a light snack during the day when you’re craving something sweet.
Cooking Tips
- Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best results. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix well with the sugar.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft or sticky to work with, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to scoop and shape.
- Lemon Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the dough or glaze.
- Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should still be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Variations to Try
- Lemon and Blueberry Cookies: Add a handful of fresh or dried blueberries to the cookie dough for a fruity twist.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Lemon Lavender Cookies: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender buds to the dough for a floral flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Conclusion
These Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that’s light, sweet, and refreshing. With a simple recipe and minimal ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with tea, or just snacking on something sweet, these cookies will brighten your day with their fresh citrusy flavor.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the cookies the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work as a substitute.
3. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can skip the glaze. The cookies will still taste delicious without it.
4. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
5. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
6. Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like vanilla, almond, or coconut to give the cookies a twist.
7. How do I make the cookies more chewy?
For a chewier texture, you can increase the amount of butter slightly or add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough.
8. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
9. Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, if you use self-raising flour, omit the baking powder and baking soda from the recipe.
10. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, and make sure the baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.