Sunshine Lemon Cookies 7 Steps to Zesty Bliss

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for something zesty and sweet? My aunt used to say a batch of Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your day was the only cure for the blues.

These cookies have a bright, sunny flavor that is simply irresistible.

Brief Overview

These Heavenly Lemon Cookies are inspired by classic shortbread. They have been given a citrus twist, and they're light, buttery, and packed with flavour.

This is an easy lemon cookie recipe requiring minimal skills. Get ready for baking. They take about an hour to make.

The recipe for lemon cookies yields approximately 24 cookies.

Main Benefits

The fresh lemon juice in these cookies offers a boost of vitamin C. These are a perfect treat for afternoon tea with your friends, or a simple dessert after dinner.

What makes these cookies special is the delightful zing paired with the melt-in-your mouth texture.

Ready to Bake?

You'll need these ingredients to get started. Don't worry if you don't have everything. See below the simple substitutes if you can't source some of the items.

What You'll Need: Zesty Lemon Cookies Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) softened butter
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) fresh lemon juice

Tips and Tricks:

• The butter needs to be softened, so take it out for about an hour before.
• Don't overmix!

Substitutions and Variations:

• Don't have lemons? You can use limes instead.
• Want the cookies to be vegan? Use vegan butter and some applesauce.

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, so you want to make some heavenly Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your day? Great choice! First, let's gather our bits and bobs.

Here's what you'll need. And honestly? Don't skimp on the lemon. It's the star of the show! I'm not kidding when I say this is the best Recipe For Lemon Cookies !

Main Ingredients for Moist Lemon Cookies

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened. Seriously, softened butter is a game changer. Don't melt it! Just let it sit out for an hour. It should be squishy, but not oily.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar. Just your regular, run-of-the-mill sugar.
• ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting. This is what gives them that lovely, melt-in-your mouth texture.
• 1 large egg yolk. Don't chuck the white. Make an omelette, eh?
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract. The real stuff, if you've got it.
• Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons). This is essential ! Fresh zest is what makes these cookies sing!
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour. Plain flour is perfect.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt. Just a pinch.

Seasoning Notes for Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

For these Simple Lemon Cookies , it’s all about that lemon ! Fresh lemon zest is KEY. Don't bother with bottled juice for the cookies themselves.

If you're doing a Lemon Glaze Recipe for Cookies , you can use bottled juice in a pinch. A tiny bit of vanilla extract complements the lemon beautifully.

It brings a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavour.

Honestly, I've tried adding a pinch of cardamom before. It gives them a warm, slightly spicy kick. Ginger would also work but keep it very subtle.

These combinations can elevate this Easy Lemon Cookie Recipe .

Equipment Needed for These Zesty Lemon Cookies

You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up a batch of these Lemon shortbread cookies . Honestly, the most important things are:

• Mixing bowls.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). Makes it easier, but not essential.
• Baking sheets.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This is a must, unless you want your cookies glued to the tray.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
• Zester. You can use a grater, but a zester is way easier.
• Rolling pin. Only if you want super even cookies. A glass bottle will do in a pinch!

That's it! Now you're all set to make some seriously tasty Homemade lemon cookies .

Sunshine Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your Day

Honestly, who doesn't love a good cookie? And these Sunshine Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your day? Oh my gosh, they're divine .

We're talking heavenly lemon cookies , the kind that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I've baked hundreds of cookies in my time, but these are a firm favourite.

My nan even asked for this easy lemon cookie recipe after trying them! The secret? Fresh lemon zest and that melt-in-your mouth shortbread texture.

And they are moist lemon cookies !

I was inspired one rainy afternoon to get creative, and these cookies were born. Now, let's get down to brass tacks and make some magic!

Prep Like a Pro!

First, the mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. This is key for a stress free bake.

Soften 1 cup (227g) of butter. Weigh out your dry ingredients. Zest 2 lemons . Honestly, the fresher, the better. I actually use my microplane zester right over the bowl.

I find it easier that way. Plus, I can smell that zingy lemon and it makes me happy.

Safety Reminder: Always wash your lemons before zesting. Nobody wants to eat pesticide cookies!

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step

Follow these steps for perfectly baked zesty lemon cookies .

1. Cream together 1 cup (227g) softened butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar and ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract. Add the zest of 2 lemons and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!.
5. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes .
6. Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out your favorite shapes.
7. Bake for 10- 12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool completely and glaze (optional). Make a Lemon glaze recipe for cookies by whisking together 1 cup (120g) of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) fresh lemon juice

Pro Tips for Simple Lemon Cookies

Want to really nail these homemade lemon cookies ? Here’s the lowdown! Firstly, always chill your dough. It stops the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Secondly, don’t overbake them! You want them to be slightly soft in the middle for that perfect chewy texture. Overbaking results to lemon shortbread cookies .

Speaking of texture, these are really soft chewy lemon cookies .

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overmixing the dough. It will make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined!

And that is a perfect recipe for lemon cookies . These sunshine cookies are a guaranteed crowd pleaser! They're the perfect little treat to brighten your day!

Recipe Notes: Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Alright, let's talk about the extra bits that'll make these Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your day even brighter. It's the tiny details that elevate these from good to Heavenly Lemon Cookies .

Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Pretty!

Think about how you want to show off your Moist Lemon Cookies . A simple dusting of powdered sugar? Yes, please! Arranging them on a pretty plate, next to a pot of tea? Absolutely! For a summer treat, try them with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Honestly, just a nice plate makes them extra special. It can really bring the zesty lemon cookies to life

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

You know how it is, baking a big batch of Homemade Lemon Cookies . To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container.

They'll be good for about 3-4 days at room temperature. Want to freeze them? Go for it! Pop them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Just let them thaw before you tuck in. I learned that the hard way, lol!

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a change? Swap lemon zest for lime for Lemon shortbread cookies with a twist! Or, use orange zest to make orange cookies.

Want a vegan option? There are tons of great plant based butter alternatives out there. I bet you can find your next Recipe For Lemon Cookies right here! You can replace the egg yolks with applesauce to ensure vegan results.

Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat

Let's be real, these are cookies. But they do have some perks. They give you a little energy boost from the sugar.

And the lemon zest adds a bit of Vitamin C. Not bad, right? One cookie contains approximately 120 calories. It's all about balance, my friend!

So there you have it! A few extra tips to help you make the perfect Simple Lemon Cookies . Go on, give it a go! These are such an Easy lemon cookie recipe , that they should be made by absolutely everyone.

You'll wonder why you didn't try it before! Bake these Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies and watch everyone smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

My Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your day spread too much when baking, what did I do wrong?

Ah, spreading cookies a classic baking conundrum! Usually, it's down to the butter being too warm, or not chilling the dough for long enough. Make sure your butter is softened, but still cool, and that you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) before baking.

This will help the fat solidify and prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I freeze the dough for these Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your later?

Absolutely, freezing the dough is a brilliant way to prep ahead! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll and bake as directed.

You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time, depending on how cold the dough still is.

How do I store these Sunshine Lemon Cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep these lemon delights at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to add a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage; just let them thaw completely before serving.

Can I make these lemon cookies without lemon zest if I don't have any fresh lemons on hand?

While fresh lemon zest really gives these cookies their signature zing, you can substitute with a teaspoon of lemon extract in a pinch. However, keep in mind that the flavour won't be quite as bright or complex as using fresh zest.

It's like using tinned tomatoes instead of fresh ones in a pasta sauce still good, but not quite the same "wow" factor. If you really like them, it may be worth it to stop by the grocer.

I'm feeling adventurous; any creative variations I can try with these Lemon Cookies to Brighten Your day?

Oh, you're speaking my language! How about adding a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the dough for a bit of texture and visual appeal? Or, for a grown-up twist, try adding a tablespoon of Limoncello to the glaze. You could also dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

The possibilities are endless let your imagination run wild!

Are these lemon cookies healthy? I'm trying to be good!

While these are undeniably delicious, they are still cookies, so moderation is key! They contain butter, sugar, and flour, so they're not exactly a health food. However, you can make some healthier swaps, like using whole wheat flour or a sugar substitute.

Remember, it's all about balance and enjoying treats in moderation as part of a well rounded diet a little bit of what you fancy does you good, as they say!