Craving a citrusy treat? Discover our easy lemon cookies recipe for a zesty delight that will brighten your day. Perfect for any occasion, try them now.
Author:Emily Cookson
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:32 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Desserts
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 large egg
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that your butter is at room temperature to guarantee a smooth and creamy blend. This step sets the foundation for perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. The mixture should become light and fluffy, resembling soft peaks of sweet sunshine.
Add the Citrus Love: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the creamed mixture. These ingredients will infuse your dough with that signature bright and tangy aroma.
Introduce the Egg: Gently beat in 1 large egg, ensuring it’s fully integrated. This step helps your cookies achieve cohesion and a delightful, chewy texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mixing these separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Create the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; doing so can lead to dense cookies. You want the dough to feel soft yet hold its shape.
Chill Time: Cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps develop flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C Roll). the dough into balls, and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure enough space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges have a golden hue.
Finishing Touches: Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust the cookies with optional powdered sugar for a dreamy, sweet finish.