The lemon cookie, with its bright citrus flavor, is a delightful treat that brings a burst of freshness to your baking repertoire. This recipe is crafted to ensure each bite is filled with zesty delight, making it a perfect addition to your dessert table or a thoughtful homemade gift. Let's dive into how you can master the art of making these irresistible lemon cookies.
Ingredients for Lemon Cookies
- 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1⁄2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of two lemons
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Steps to Make Lemon Cookies
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Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated.
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Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to form balls from the dough, placing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Slightly flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar or press a fork on top to make a crosshatch pattern.
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Bake: Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the lemon cookies should retain their chewy center.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar once cool for an extra sweet touch.
🌟 Note: Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to guarantee proper rise and texture in your cookies.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cookies
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice are key for the vibrant lemon flavor. Bottled juice can be less potent in taste.
- Chill the Dough: If time permits, chill the dough for an hour before baking. This enhances the flavors and prevents too much spreading.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your oven as baking times can vary. You want the cookies to be soft in the center when taken out of the oven.
🍋 Note: For an extra lemony kick, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of lemon extract along with the juice.
Storing Your Lemon Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating to maintain freshness.
- In the Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
❄️ Note: Freezing the cookie dough in scoop-sized balls is a great prep for future baking!
Creating these lemon cookies is not just about following a recipe; it's about infusing your kitchen with the vibrant essence of lemon, creating delicious treats that are both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty. With the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for any occasion, bringing a touch of zest to every bite.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
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While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice provides a more authentic flavor. Bottled juice can sometimes be less potent in terms of both taste and aroma.
How can I make my lemon cookies softer?
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Reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes, and ensure not to overbake. The cookies should still be soft in the center when removed from the oven as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
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If your cookies spread excessively, your dough might be too warm or overworked. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to firm it up. Additionally, ensure your butter isn’t too soft when creaming it with sugar.
