Name: Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2.5 cups flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt

Okay, let’s talk cookies. Not just any cookies, though. We’re diving headfirst into the sunshine that is this summer.Lemon Cookies Recipe.. I remember the first time I made these; it was a gloomy Sunday, and I needed some serious pick-me-up. One bite, and BAM! Instant happiness. They’re honestly like little drops of sunshine. If you’re a fan of those classic sugar cookies, but you’re looking for something that’s more flavorful, then this is it. What are some of the best zing, a little more *oomph*, go-tos? What is that lemon flavor? It just explodes in your mouth. You’ll be hooked after the first bite. I swear, it’s the kind of cookie that makes you want to dance around your kitchen, and isn’t that good? What is baking?

What is the recipe for Lemon Cookies?

So, what exactly are these little bundles of joy? Well, think of them as the sophisticated cousin of your standard Sugar Cookie. It’s essentially a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie infused with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. The recipe starts with a basic cookie dough, but the magic happens with the addition of lemon zest and juice. This gives the cookies a subtle tang and a wonderfully fragrant aroma. Then, after baking, they get a generous drizzle of a sweet and tart lemon glaze that just seals the deal. They’re not overly sweet, which I love, and they have this perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let me tell you why this Lemon Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. First, the flavor! The lemon flavor is so bright and refreshing; it’s the perfect treat for any time of year. What I love most about this is how easy they are to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a professional baker to whip these up. It’s a pretty straightforward process, and even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to nail it. The ingredients are also super simple and affordable. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
And let’s talk versatility. These cookies are perfect for everything. I’ve made them for bake sales, potlucks, afternoon tea, and even just a simple weeknight treat. They’re always a hit. I even had a friend tell me they’re better than the lemon bars she gets from her favorite bakery! Plus, they’re infinitely customizable. You can add poppy seeds for a little texture, or even a dash of almond extract to deepen the flavor. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll never go back to plain old sugar cookies again. I promise! They are just far superior to the other basic recipes of lemon cookies.

How do I make lemon cookies?

Quick Overview

Making these lemon cookies is a breeze! You’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding in the lemon zest and juice. After that, you’ll gradually mix in the dry ingredients until everything is just combined. Roll out the dough and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Bake until golden brown, then let them cool completely. Finally, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle it over the cookies. The best part? The whole process takes less than an hour, from start to finish. Even I can do it after a tiring day.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *really* soft for the best texture!)
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is a must!)
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest (zest before you juice – trust me)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar * 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best) ) * 1 tablespoon milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)*

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I prevent cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze? I end up with half of the cookie stuck to the pan. How do I get rid of this? What is the best thing about parchment paper?

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. If you have an electric mixer, the mixture should be pale and airy. What’s the best way to make a tender cookie?

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. What should I do if my mixture is curdled at this point?

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies, as this can result in hard cookies.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. What are some of the best cookie cutters for cutting out shapes? If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out. What are my favorite lemon slice shapes?

Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Is it a light golden brown Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I always set a timer for 8 minutes and then check them every minute after that.

Step 7: Cool

How do I remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. How do I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.

Step 8: Glaze

While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Set aside. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them. Let the glaze set before serving.

What should I serve it with?

These lemon cookies are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages and snacks.
For breakfast, they’re fantastic with a cup of strong black coffee or a latte. The bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the coffee perfectly.
At brunch, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit and a glass of sparkling wine. They add a touch of elegance to the spread.
As a dessert, they’re delicious on their own, or paired with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even crumble them over a lemon mousse for an extra layer of flavor.
For a cozy snack, try dunking them in a cup of hot tea. Earl Grey or chamomile would be lovely choices.
My family’s tradition is to have them with a simple glass of cold milk – it’s just pure comfort food!

How do you make lemon cookies?

What are some of the best lemon cookie recipes?What is the butter consistency?. Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. If the cookie is too soft, it will spread too much in the oven. I usually take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.Don’t overmix the dough!Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. I’ve made this mistake a million times.How do I chill dough?If your dough is too sticky to work with, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator. For 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut.How do you use fresh lemon juice and zest?Why is lemon juice so bad for you? Where are all the essential oils, so don’t skip it!For ingredient swaps, see below.I’ve tested this with almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze and it actually made it.Baking tipsHow do you check the temperature of your oven using an oven thermometer? How do I bake cookies in an oven?What are the GlazeI love adding sea salt to the glaze to balance out the sweetness. Add a drop of lemon extract to your water for an even stronger lemon flavor. I swear, even after all these years, I’m still learning new things every time I make these cookies!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best recipe for Lemon Cookies? I wouldn’t blame you if you tried! How do I store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious.Room temperature is considered theCookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. I usually layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.refrigerator, they’ll last for up to a week. Again, make sure they are in an airtight container. Is the glaze a little sticky in the fridge?What are freezer instructions?, these cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Regarding glaze timing, I usually glaze the cookies right before serving them. This prevents the glaze from getting soggy during storage. But if you do glaze them ahead of time, just be sure to store them in a single layer to prevent the glaze from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is designed for baking. I’ve had success with a 1:1 replacement, but you might need to add a little extra liquid if the dough seems too dry. Also, let the dough rest for about 30 minutes before rolling it out, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture.

Do I need to zest the lemon?

Yes, please! Lemon zest is the outer colorful part of the lemon peel and contains essential oils, packed with lemon’s aroma. Zesting enhances the lemon flavor in this recipe, so make sure to use it!

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great way to prepare ahead of time. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then proceed with the recipe as directed.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. Or, you can make a simple buttercream frosting by creaming together butter, powdered sugar, and a little bit of milk. You can even add a touch of lemon extract to the frosting for an extra burst of flavor.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies are usually caused by butter that is too soft or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, and mix the dough until just combined. Chilling the dough before baking can also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Final Thoughts

Okay, friends, that’s it! That’s my go-to Lemon Cookies Recipe. I truly hope you give these a try because they are seriously worth it. They’re so easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, be sure to check out my other recipes. I have a Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that’s out of this world! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share those too! Happy Baking!

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