Description
Zesty lemon cookies bring sunshine to your dessert table with their bright, tangy flavor. Crisp edges and delicate crumb promise a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Lemon Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
- Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, then set the mixture aside.
- Transform butter and granulated sugar into a creamy, airy mixture using an electric mixer, blending until the texture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce moisture and flavor by incorporating egg, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Gently merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to form a cohesive dough without overworking the mixture.
- Shape the cookie dough by portioning tablespoon-sized amounts, rolling each into a smooth sphere, then generously coating each ball with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet exterior.
- Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle visual cues like set edges and delicate surface cracks, which indicate perfect doneness while maintaining a soft texture.
- Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a delightful, tender treat ready to be savored.
Notes
- Enhance the lemony flavor by adding extra zest or a splash of lemon extract for a more intense citrus punch.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Experiment with different coatings like crushed pistachios or additional citrus zests to create unique texture and flavor variations.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing their soft, delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg