Oh, the joy of Christmas cookies—there’s just something magical about them! These lemon Christmas cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat, bringing a zesty burst of sunshine to your festive celebrations. I can still remember the first time I baked them with my grandma; the smell of fresh lemon zest wafting through the kitchen was pure bliss! They’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for beginner bakers or busy holiday schedules. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on their tangy sweetness, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe. So, let’s get started on creating these scrumptious little gems that are sure to brighten your holiday season!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious lemon Christmas cookies. Trust me, once you have everything ready, the baking process will be a breeze!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s really soft for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for that burst of flavor!)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure to measure everything out before you start, so you can focus on mixing and baking without any interruptions. Let’s get those cookies in the oven!
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Lemon
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cookies bake evenly, giving you that perfect texture. Trust me, you don’t want to put your dough into a cold oven and risk unevenly baked cookies!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar. You can use a hand mixer or just your trusty spatula if you’re feeling adventurous! Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this step is key for getting that airy texture in your cookies. You should see a lovely pale color forming, which means you’re on the right track!
Add Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the good stuff! Crack in one large egg, then pour in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You want that lovely lemony aroma to fill your kitchen—oh, it’s heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that your baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in how your cookies rise!
Mix the Dough
Now, gradually add those dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender and soft. We’re not looking for tough cookies here!
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie because they will spread a little. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible lemony scent!
Cool and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps them firm up a bit! Once they’re cool, serve them up and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy. These cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or just on their own as a delightful little treat!
FAQ Section
Can I Use Different Citrus for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch up the lemon for other citrus fruits like orange or lime. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile a bit. Orange will give you a sweeter, more aromatic cookie, while lime adds a nice zesty kick. Whichever citrus you choose, make sure to use the zest and juice for that bright, fresh flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep those delicious cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week—if they even last that long! If you notice them getting a bit dry, you can toss a slice of bread into the container; it’ll help keep the cookies soft and moist. Just remember to switch out the bread slice every few days!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Just let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out as many as you want and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to bake again—just enjoy that fresh lemony goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Bright and zesty lemon flavor that’s refreshing and festive.
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Quick to whip up—ready in just about 30 minutes!
- Great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy family nights.
- Customizable with different citrus or toppings if you want to mix things up!
- They make excellent gifts when packaged in a cute box or tin!
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon Christmas cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference in your baking experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons for zest and juice. The vibrant flavor of fresh lemons is unbeatable and will really make your cookies shine!
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps create that fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can cut it into small chunks to speed up the softening process!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and light!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should still be soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Letting the cookies cool on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom. This step is crucial for maintaining that delightful texture!
- Experiment with Flavor: If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the sweetness and gives a lovely contrast to the lemony goodness!
- Storage Matters: If you’re not serving them right away, store your cookies in an airtight container with a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This keeps them fresh and delicious for longer!
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to bake some scrumptious lemon Christmas cookies that will wow your friends and family. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each of these delightful lemon Christmas cookies. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these cookies as a sweet treat during the holidays while keeping an eye on your daily intake. They’re a lovely balance of indulgence and zest!
Your Turn!
Now it’s your turn to dive into the delightful world of lemon Christmas cookies! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these zesty treats. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy at home, I promise they’ll bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen.
Once you’ve baked your cookies, I’d love to hear all about your experience! Did you add a twist, like a different citrus or some fun sprinkles? Share your thoughts, tips, or any little baking mishaps—trust me, we’ve all had them! Your feedback means so much to me, and it helps others in our baking community. So feel free to leave a comment below or reach out!
Happy baking, and may your kitchen fill with the heavenly aroma of lemony goodness this holiday season!
For more delicious holiday recipes, check out this festive dessert recipe!
Also, if you’re interested in learning about the benefits of lemon, visit Healthline’s article on lemon benefits.
Print
Christmas Cookies Lemon: 5 Steps to Festive Success!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious lemon-flavored Christmas cookies that are easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Don’t overbake to keep the cookies soft.
- For more lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cookies lemon
