If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, you’ll love these lemon cookies. They’re a fresh and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, or a dessert to impress your guests, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp lemon extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 375g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 50g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the lemon extract and zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, then roll them in powdered sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. They also make a great gift, so consider packaging them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful and delicious present.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Lemon poppyseed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a little extra crunch and flavor.
- Lemon-lavender: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers to the dough for a subtle floral note.
- Lemon-blueberry: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Lemon-glazed: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
For a vegan version of these cookies, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
These lemon cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves citrus flavors. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy a fresh and tangy treat?
FAQ
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on how big you make them.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe so you can control the amount of salt in the cookies. If you use salted butter, you may end up with overly salty cookies.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon zest?
No, you cannot substitute lemon juice for lemon zest in this recipe. Lemon zest is the outer layer of the lemon peel and contains essential oils that give the cookies their lemon flavor.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
It’s best to use butter in this recipe for the best flavor and texture. Margarine has a different consistency and may affect the texture of the cookies.
Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Yes, you can add other flavors to these cookies, such as vanilla extract or almond extract. However, keep in mind that the lemon flavor may be less pronounced with additional flavors.
Can I use a different type of flour, such as gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cookies may be different. If using a gluten-free flour, make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.
Can I use a cookie scoop instead of rolling the dough into balls?
Yes, you can use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough if you prefer. Just make sure to flatten the cookies slightly with the palm of your hand before baking.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough if you want to make the cookies a different color. However, keep in mind that the color may not be as vibrant after baking.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough if you want to add some extra texture and flavor to the cookies. Just keep in mind that the cookies may spread a bit more with additional ingredients.
