Lemon Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These lemon cookies are a delightful treat bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a tender crumb. Perfectly sweet and tangy, they make a refreshing snack or a lovely addition to any dessert spread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling cookies)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the lemon juice and egg to the mixture, then beat again until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix by hand with a spatula until the dough comes together.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Remove the dough from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a small bowl for rolling the cookies.
6. Step 6: Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, then roll each ball in the sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the edges have a faint golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the lemon juice.
• Try rolling the cookies in colored sugar or sanding sugar for a festive look.
• Use a zester to carefully avoid the bitter white pith when zesting lemons.
• If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce baking time by a minute or two.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Opt for a high-quality, 100% lemon juice for the best taste.

Why do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Refrigerating the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking. It also enhances flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.

Lemon Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 88 reviews

These Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and sweet buttery dough. Crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these cookies are easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion that calls for a refreshing citrus-flavored dessert.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

1. Mix Butter, Sugar, and Zest: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest using an electric mixer for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice and large egg to the mixture, beating again until everything is well combined and uniform in texture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold and mix the dough by hand until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 60 minutes to firm it up for easier handling and better texture in the final cookies.
5. Prepare for Baking: Remove the dough from the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place 1/4 cup of sugar into a small bowl for rolling the cookie dough balls.
6. Form and Roll Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the granulated sugar to coat the exterior before placing them on a silicone-lined baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until the edges begin to show a faint golden hue, indicating they are perfectly baked.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookie spread and to enhance flavor.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright citrus taste.
• The cookies may appear soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For an extra touch, drizzle with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice after cooling.

Keywords: lemon cookies, citrus cookies, lemon zest cookies, baked lemon treats, sweet lemon cookies