Description
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are tender, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gifting. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies offer a bright citrusy taste complemented by a soft, chewy texture. Rolled in powdered sugar or colorful festive sprinkles, they make a delightful treat for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar for rolling or dusting
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them well. Then mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined, infusing the dough with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
- Chill the dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. If desired, roll the balls in powdered sugar or festive sprinkles for a decorative and sweet finish.
- Arrange and bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly underbaked, ensuring soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set without becoming hard.
Notes
- These cookies remain soft for several days when stored in an airtight container, making them ideal for holiday gifting.
- For an extra touch of sweetness and lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice over cooled cookies.
