Lemon Cookies Recipe: A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite
Are you ready to bake up a batch of sunshine? These lemon cookies are bursting with bright, zesty flavor and are surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for tea time, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers. Make sure you have these on hand before you start:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
This detailed guide will take you through the process, ensuring perfectly baked lemon cookies every time.
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. You can use an electric mixer for faster results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. The bright yellow color and fragrant zest will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on ungreased baking sheets. You can gently flatten them slightly with a fork for a classic textured look.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cookies:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For easier handling and a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Glazed Lemon Cookies: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add ¼ cup poppy seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Lemon Blueberry Cookies: Incorporate ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries into the dough.
These lemon cookies are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. The bright citrus flavor and delicate texture make them irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of sunshine! Enjoy!
