Lemon Cookies
Lemon cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and tanginess. With their bright flavor and tender texture, these cookies are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea or serving them at a gathering, their refreshing taste will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will surely brighten your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 100 calories, 4g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 10g sugar. This nutritional information is based on a standard cookie size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the mixture, and stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Serving and Pairings
These lemon cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside fresh fruits or a light sorbet for a refreshing dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough may result in spreading during baking.
- Using too much flour can make cookies dry.
- Skipping the zest will reduce the lemon flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for better texture.
- Experiment with adding poppy seeds for extra crunch.
- For more lemon flavor, increase the zest.
- Consider a lemon glaze for added sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though the taste may vary slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding vanilla extract or almond extract for a unique twist.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Conclusion
These lemon cookies are the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, they are sure to brighten your day. So gather your ingredients and bake a batch today; you won’t regret it!
Lemon Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.