Indulge in the vibrant flavors of citrus with these delightful Lemon Cookies. Bursting with tangy lemon zest and juice, these cookies are a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Lemon Cookies are sure to brighten your day. Join us on a journey to master this simple yet irresistible recipe and elevate your baking game!
Ingredients:
Lemon Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Form Cookies:
- Roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Cool:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Lemon Icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
10. Ice Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon icing over the tops of the cookies.
11. Set and Enjoy:
- Allow the icing to set before serving, then enjoy these zesty Lemon Cookies!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Fresh Lemon Flavor: For the best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the cookie dough or icing.
- Texture Variation: For a softer, chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a minute or two.
- Storage Tip: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar in both the cookie dough and icing.
- Portion Control: Enjoy these keto lemon cookies in moderation as part of your low-carb lifestyle.
Low-Carb:
- Reduced Sugar: Decrease the amount of granulated sugar in the cookie dough and icing or use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Almond Flour Option: Substitute almond flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour to lower the overall carb count while adding a nutty flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls and bake as directed.
Q: Can I skip the lemon icing? A: While the lemon icing adds a delightful tangy sweetness, you can skip it if you prefer your cookies without icing. The cookies will still be delicious on their own!
Q: Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon zest and juice? A: Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for lemon zest and juice, but the flavor may not be as fresh and vibrant. Start with a small amount of extract and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Lemon Cookies. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q: How long do the cookies last? A: These Lemon Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can freeze the cookies for longer storage.
Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavors of lemon with the sweet comfort of homemade cookies. With their tender texture and zesty icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert time. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or traditional diet, these versatile cookies can be enjoyed by all. So why not whip up a batch of these sunny delights and spread a little joy with every bite?
