Description
Zesty lemon cookies bring Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert tables with their bold citrus charm. Crisp edges and delicate crumb invite home bakers to savor each delightful bite of pure lemony bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Create a delicate flour mixture by combining dry ingredients, ensuring even distribution of baking soda and salt in a medium mixing vessel.
- Transform butter and sugar into a creamy, aerated blend using an electric mixer, achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Incorporate wet components including egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly integrated.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Wrap the dough completely and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy release and clean removal.
- Shape the chilled dough into uniform tablespoon-sized spheres, positioning them with adequate spacing to prevent merging during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction before glazing.
- Prepare a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice, adjusting liquid or sugar to achieve desired consistency.
- Artfully drizzle or spread the citrus glaze across cooled cookies, creating an elegant finishing touch.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional lemon zest for enhanced visual appeal and bright flavor accent.
- Allow glaze to set for approximately 15 minutes before serving, ensuring a pristine presentation.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spread and maintaining the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire cookie.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding powdered sugar or lemon juice gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg