Name: Soft Lemon Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 36 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup white sugar; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 teaspoons lemon zest (for glaze); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze); 5 tablespoons milk

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There’s something magical about baking that takes me back to my childhood, and today, I want to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: Soft Lemon Cookies. Growing up, weekends meant my kitchen was a whirlwind of flour, sugar, and laughter as my family and I whipped up treats that were as fun to make as they were to eat. These delightful cookies bring back memories of sunny days and bright flavors, perfect for any occasion. The light, zesty taste of lemon combined with a sweet glaze makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just want to indulge in a tasty treat, Soft Lemon Cookies are sure to brighten your day.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
36 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
11 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
1g g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
5g g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Blender, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why We Love This Soft Lemon Cookies

Bright and Zesty Flavor

One of the standout features of Soft Lemon Cookies is their bright, zesty flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest elevates these cookies, giving them an irresistible tang that will have you reaching for seconds. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can create such a refreshing taste!

Perfect Texture

These cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and the baking time. When you bite into one, you’ll experience that delightful contrast, making every mouthful a treat. I often find myself enjoying them with a cup of tea, letting the flavors dance together.

Easy to Make

If you’re a baking novice, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch of Soft Lemon Cookies. The recipe is straightforward, with just a few steps, and the ingredients are common pantry staples. It’s a great way to build confidence in the kitchen while impressing family and friends with your baking prowess!

Versatile Treat

These cookies are incredibly versatile. While they’re perfect for springtime gatherings, I find myself making them for all occasions—from summer picnics to cozy winter nights. You can even customize them by adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or adjusting the lemon glaze to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless, making Soft Lemon Cookies a versatile addition to your recipe collection!

Great for Sharing

Finally, there’s something about cookies that brings people together. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or coworkers, Soft Lemon Cookies are perfect for sharing. They’re a hit at potlucks and gatherings, and once you share a few, you’ll find people asking for the recipe—because who doesn’t love a good cookie?

Ingredients Required for Soft Lemon Cookies

When it comes to making Soft Lemon Cookies, the ingredients are key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each element plays a significant role, from the buttery richness of the unsalted butter to the brightness brought by lemon juice and lemon zest. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients that make these cookies so special.

1 cup unsalted butter: This is the foundation of our cookies, providing richness and moisture.
1 cup white sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that delightful cookie texture.
¼ cup powdered sugar: This gives a softer texture and is also used in the glaze.
1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds an extra punch of lemony goodness.
3 cups flour: This is the base for our cookies, providing structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the mixture and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
4 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet and smooth icing for our cookies.
2 teaspoons lemon zest (for glaze): Adds flavor to the glaze.
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with a fresh zing.
5 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the ideal glaze consistency.

Recipe Directions for Soft Lemon Cookies

Making Soft Lemon Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with sweet, citrusy aromas. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are sure to impress!

Start by taking 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of white sugar, and ¼ cup of powdered sugar and placing them in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and pale.
Next, add in 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix well until the wet ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth batter. The zesty aroma at this stage is simply irresistible!
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture should be well blended, as it will provide structure to your cookies.
Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is combined.
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it solidifies the butter, ensuring your cookies hold their shape while baking.
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the oven is hot enough to give your cookies that perfect rise.
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, which prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the chilled dough and place the scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 to 3 inches between each cookie. You should be able to fit about 8 cookies per pan.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes. Watch closely; they should be just starting to brown on the bottom but still look soft on top.
Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set perfectly.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 5 tablespoons of milk. Mix well until a smooth glaze forms. Adjust with more lemon zest if you desire a stronger lemon flavor.
Once the cookies have cooled to the touch, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to dry. This step adds a delightful sweetness and tang that complements the cookies beautifully.
Allow the glaze to harden completely before enjoying your delicious Soft Lemon Cookies. Each bite will be a little piece of heaven!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill helps stabilize the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Using Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. The zest adds an incredible freshness!
Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in some extra powdered sugar.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Baking Soft Lemon Cookies can be an enjoyable experience, and following these pro tips will ensure you get the best results possible. Let’s explore some helpful tweaks and tricks!

Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well!
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations: Feel free to add poppy seeds for added texture or replace some of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack.
Use Quality Ingredients: Invest in good-quality butter and fresh lemons. They make a significant difference in flavor.

Serve This Soft Lemon Cookies With

When it comes to enjoying Soft Lemon Cookies, the options are plentiful. Here are some delightful pairing suggestions:

Afternoon Tea: Serve these cookies with a pot of your favorite tea for a lovely afternoon break.
Picnics: Their bright flavor makes them an excellent choice for picnic baskets, alongside fresh fruit and lemonade.
Celebrations: Perfect for birthday parties or springtime gatherings, they add a festive touch to any dessert table.
Lunchbox Treats: These cookies make a wonderful addition to school lunchboxes, providing a sweet surprise that kids will love.
Seasonal Enjoyment: Enjoy them during spring when lemons are in season, or make them year-round for a citrusy treat.

FAQ

Soft Lemon Cookies stand out due to their unique combination of bright lemon flavor and soft texture. The addition of lemon juice and zest creates a refreshing change from traditional cookies. Their chewy edges and tender centers make them a delightful treat that feels light and refreshing, perfect for any time of the year!

To achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture in Soft Lemon Cookies, avoid overbaking them! They should come out of the oven just before they look fully set, allowing them to continue cooking slightly on the baking sheet. Chilling the dough before baking also helps maintain their shape and softness.

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly from the freezer into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfect Soft Lemon Cookies.

Soft Lemon Cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with afternoon tea, lemonade, or coffee. They’re great for picnics or as a sweet treat during gatherings. Their bright flavors also complement fresh fruit, making them a delightful addition to dessert tables.

Conclusion

The beauty of Soft Lemon Cookies lies in their bright, zesty flavor and soft, chewy texture. They’re a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering with friends. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the wonderful melding of flavors yourself. You won’t just be baking cookies; you’ll be creating joyful memories!