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Lemon Cookies Recipe
Lemon cookies are a refreshing treat, perfect for any season. These zesty cookies combine the bright flavor of lemon with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you reaching for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a batch of irresistible lemon cookies that are sure to impress. We promise it’s not too hard and you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
My Journey to this Lemon Cookies Recipe
Baking has always been a passion of mine, rooted in fond childhood memories of spending time in the kitchen with my mother. Her love for baking was infectious, and it wasn’t long before I was experimenting with recipes on my own. Over the years, I developed a particular fondness for lemon-flavored desserts. The bright, citrusy notes of lemon seemed to lift any recipe, adding a unique and refreshing twist.
The inspiration for my lemon cookies came during a particularly nostalgic baking session. I wanted to recreate the joy I felt as a child, savoring my mother’s baked goods, but with a personal twist. After several trials and tweaks, I finally perfected a lemon cookie recipe that encapsulated the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. Now, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cookies
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrancy of fresh lemons.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the dough mix evenly.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Why I Love this Lemon Cookies Recipe
Lemon cookies hold a special place in my heart because they are a tribute to my families baking legacy. Every bite is a reminder of the warm, sunny days spent in her kitchen, learning the art of baking from scratch. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a connection to my past and a way to share a piece of my heritage with others.
The joy of baking is not just in the final product but in the process itself. Mixing ingredients, kneading dough, and watching as simple components transform into delightful treats is a magical experience. Lemon cookies, with their bright flavor and comforting aroma, encapsulate this magic perfectly. I feel like in this day and age, the art of making things from scratch is just harder to find. As a people, it is important that we continue to listen to the earth and the amazing things that we can do ourselves.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for afternoon tea.
- As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
- Gift Idea: Pack them in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
Lemon Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest from about 2-3 lemons
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the lemon zest until evenly distributed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft and pale. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
Total Calories for the Entire Recipe
- 4,180 calories / 24 cookies = ~174 calories per cookie
Conclusion
This lemon cookie recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of citrus-flavored desserts. Can you think of anyone who doesn’t like lemon cookies?! We can’t. With a balance of tartness and sweetness, these cookies are a tasty treat for any occasion. W
Happy baking! Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share the love that comes from homemade treats.