These Lemon Cookies
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tart with These Lemon Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, these zesty treats are a delightful addition to any occasion, from afternoon tea to summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and lemon: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon juice and zest.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the lemon glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze the cookies: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies. If desired, sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Use high-quality, fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add another tablespoon or two of lemon juice to the dough.
- Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough for an extra boost of citrus flavor.
- For a crisper cookie, bake for 15-18 minutes. For a chewier cookie, bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Experiment with different types of citrus zest, such as orange or lime, for a unique flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency for the glaze. If it's too thick, add a little more lemon juice. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Consider adding a teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the glaze for extra flavor.