Description
These Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a zesty lemon flavor combined with a soft, buttery texture. Perfectly balanced with lemon juice and zest, they offer a refreshing twist on classic cookies and are easy to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are ready.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain crispness.
- Optional Dusting: Once fully cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired for a decorative sweet finish.
Notes
- For more intense lemon flavor, consider adding extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- If cookies spread too much, chill dough briefly before scooping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
