Soft Lemon Cookies

Name: Soft Lemon Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 62 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

62 min 24 cookies Easy

All Recipes

Soft Lemon Cookies

Delightfully soft lemon cookies with a zesty citrus flavour and a tender crumb.

Prep

20 min

Cook

12 min

Total

62 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Lemon cookies are a delightful treat, combining the tangy zest of fresh lemons with a perfectly soft and tender crumb. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a tea party or simply craving a citrusy snack. The refreshing taste of lemon in a cookie is a unique twist that brings a burst of sunshine to your taste buds. Their soft texture makes them particularly irresistible, as they practically melt in your mouth, leaving a lingering lemony sweetness.

Instructions

Prepare the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Add wet ingredients

Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.

Pro tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavour.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Pro tip: Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Chill the dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Shape the cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced at least 5 cm (2 inches) apart.

Pro tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.

Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

Pro tip: Do not overbake to maintain a soft centre.

Cool the cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro tip: Cooling on the sheet helps set the cookies.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavour.
Chill the dough to prevent spreading.
Bake until edges are just golden for a soft centre.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make lemon cookies?

To make lemon cookies, cream butter and sugar, mix in egg and lemon, combine with dry ingredients, chill, shape, and bake.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavour, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What is the baking temperature for lemon cookies?

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve these soft lemon cookies with a hot cup of tea or a glass of cold milk for a refreshing treat. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the dough balls and baking them fresh when needed.