Soft lemon cookies

If you’re a fan of bright, zesty flavors paired with the comforting texture of a soft cookie, these Soft Lemon Cookies are for you. Perfectly balanced with the tartness of fresh lemon and the sweetness of powdered sugar, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert table or afternoon treat. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing citrus aroma, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Lemon Cookies

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a vibrant, tangy taste.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The buttery dough bakes into perfectly tender cookies.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From summer picnics to holiday trays, they’re a hit year-round.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Tea or Coffee: These cookies are a delightful companion to a cup of hot tea, green tea, or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or gathering.
• Add a Glaze: For a more indulgent treat, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cookies. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and a touch of water to create a smooth, tangy topping.
• Serve at Parties: These lemon cookies add a refreshing twist to any dessert platter. Their light flavor makes them ideal for summer picnics, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: Freeze these cookies if you need to store them for longer. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, with wax paper between layers. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.

These serving and storage tips will help ensure your Soft Lemon Cookies remain delicious and fresh for as long as possible!

Variations

1. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

• Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and extra texture. The poppy seeds pair perfectly with the zesty lemon flavor for a classic combination.

2. Lemon Blueberry Cookies

• Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the dough for a fruity twist. The sweet blueberries complement the tart lemon, making each bite refreshing and bursting with flavor.

3. Lemon Lavender Cookies

• Infuse your dough with 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender buds for a floral note. The combination of lemon and lavender creates an elegant, aromatic flavor perfect for special occasions.

4. Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the butter and sugar mixture. This results in an ultra-soft, chewy cookie with a rich texture and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon.

5. Lemon Coconut Cookies

• Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough. The coconut adds a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon for a chewy, flavorful cookie.

6. Lemon Almond Cookies

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract. This creates a subtle nutty flavor that complements the citrus, resulting in a uniquely delicious cookie.

7. Lemon Sugar Cookies

• For a more classic sugar cookie twist, roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of granulated sugar and lemon zest before baking. This adds an extra layer of citrus sweetness to the outside.

8. Lemon Ginger Cookies

• Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients. The ginger adds a warm, spicy kick that perfectly balances the freshness of the lemon, making for a uniquely flavorful cookie.

9. Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Stir in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet contrast to the tart lemon. The creamy white chocolate enhances the citrus flavor, creating a decadent treat.

10. Lemon Raspberry Cookies

• Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries to the dough for a sweet-tart contrast. The raspberry and lemon combination creates a vibrant, flavorful cookie with a beautiful color.

These variations allow you to get creative with your Soft Lemon Cookies and tailor them to suit your flavor preferences or the occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice and zest?
Yes! You can substitute lemon extract for the fresh lemon juice and zest. Use about 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to replace both the juice and zest. However, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter flavor, so the extract will give a slightly different taste.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Soft Lemon Cookies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help provide structure to the cookies.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! After mixing the dough, roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.

4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without drastically affecting the texture. Keep in mind that reducing sugar might make the cookies less sweet and could slightly change the texture, but they will still be delicious.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. You can also check with a toothpick—insert it into the center of a cookie, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cookies are ready.

6. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that the powdered sugar you use is also dairy-free to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.

7. How should I store Soft Lemon Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

8. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the dough if you want to give your cookies a bright yellow hue. Just be sure not to overdo it, as a little goes a long way.

9. Can I add other flavors to this cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can add other flavors like vanilla, almond extract, or even a pinch of ground ginger to complement the lemon. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite flavor twist!

10. Are these cookies soft even after they cool?
Yes, these Soft Lemon Cookies remain soft after they cool. The combination of butter and the right baking time ensures they stay tender and chewy, making them the perfect soft cookie.

These FAQs provide more clarity on how to make the best Soft Lemon Cookies and offer helpful tips for modifications and storage!

These Soft Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, offering a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a gift, or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation. Try them today and bring a little sunshine to your dessert table!

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