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Freshly baked lemon cookies with a bright yellow glaze and lemon zest on top

Lemon Cookies

Bright and zesty lemon cookies that are perfect for any occasion, balancing sweetness and tartness with a refreshing flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Must be at room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs Beat in one at a time.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping

  • powdered sugar for dusting Optional, for serving.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Baking

  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Notes

For chewy cookies, slightly underbake and let them rest on the hot baking sheet. You can also try adding a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance flavors.
Keyword Baking, Citrus Cookies, Cookie Recipes, Desserts, Lemon Cookies