Zesty Lemon Christmas Cutout Cookies
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Bake!
Fancy a bit of festive cheer? I know I do! What if I told you that you could bring sunshine to your Christmas spread? My christmas cookies lemon recipe is just the ticket! Think zingy, buttery goodness.
You are going to love these!
These little beauties are a twist on the classics. They deliver a bright, sunny flavour. They are perfect for those who want something lighter.
These are known as Christmas lemon slice cookies . They cut through the richness of Christmas dinner. These holiday lemon sugar cookies will be a winner!
What’s the Story Behind These Lemon Zest Christmas Biscuits ?
Lemon cookies aren’t exactly traditional Christmas fare. They’re more of a sunny surprise! Their origin is more about personal preference.
However, they are easy and delicious. This makes them perfect easy lemon Christmas cookies for the holidays. The recipe is medium difficulty.
It takes about 2 hours to make including chilling time. You should get around 24-30 cookies.
Why You Need These Iced Lemon Christmas Cookies in Your Life
Honestly, the lemon flavour is amazing. It's such a refreshing change! Each bite is a little burst of sunshine. They’re great for adding brightness to the holiday season.
These cookies are the perfect festive treat!
Perfect for Any Occasion
These are the perfect dessert for serving anytime. Serve them with tea! Serve them as a special snack! Serve them as a fun festive addition! They're great for a cookie exchange or a simple family treat.
They’re especially amazing when Christmas cookies with lemon glaze . Everyone loves them!
Ready to dive in? Let’s get to it! You'll see why this lemon cut-out cookie recipe is special! Stay tuned for the ingredient list.
Get those ovens preheated! You'll thank me later for this Festive lemon cookie ideas for your table!
Let's Get Baking: Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Christmas Cookies Lemon !
Okay, my friends, are you ready to dive headfirst into a batch of Christmas cookies lemon that'll make even Santa jealous? Honestly, I am so excited to share with you these Holiday lemon sugar cookies they're like a ray of sunshine on a winter day! Plus, who can resist a good Lemon cut-out cookie recipe ?!
Main Ingredients: The Lemon Lowdown
For the actual cookie dough, here's what you'll need:
1 cup (227g/8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened. Quality check : Go for a good quality butter, you know, the kind that smells amazing right out of the wrapper, that will give your Lemon shortbread Christmas cookies that extra oomph.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Zest of 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons ) Honestly, the more lemon the better.
Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons )
2 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
And for the Iced lemon Christmas cookies because who doesn't love a little extra sweetness?!
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- Food coloring (optional, but highly encouraged!)
- Sprinkles, of course! Go wild with those Festive lemon cookie ideas !.
Seasoning Notes: Zest is Best
The real star of the show here is lemon. We’re talking lemon zest and juice. Don't be shy! Essential spice combinations? Not really needed here, lemon is the star!.
Lemon extract is a decent backup if you're running low on fresh lemons, but fresh is always best.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for these Christmas lemon slice cookies . Here's the essential equipment.
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer): This makes life so much easier, honestly.
- Large mixing bowl: Because where else are you going to mix everything?
- Measuring cups and spoons: Pretty self explanatory!
- Plastic wrap: Gotta keep that dough happy and chilled.
- Rolling pin: To get that perfect cookie thickness.
- Cookie cutters: Christmas themed, obviously!
- Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Wire cooling rack: Important for getting those cookies to cool properly.
If you don't have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle works in a pinch. If you're missing a wire rack, just let them cool on the baking sheet for a bit longer before transferring.
The goal is delicious cookies, not perfection. Remember to chill the dough for at least 1 hour .
Let's Get Baking: Zesty Christmas Cookies Lemon !
Honestly, who doesn't love Christmas cookies ? But this year, let's ditch the same old gingerbread and spice things up with some bright, zingy Christmas cookies lemon .
These holiday lemon sugar cookies are seriously good, and they are perfect for cutting through all the richness of the festive season.
I'm telling you, one bite and you'll be hooked! Plus, they look absolutely gorgeous with a simple icing and sprinkles.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first, let's get organized! The key is having everything prepped. Soften 1 cup (227g) of unsalted butter and measure out 1 cup (200g) of sugar .
Get your egg ready, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract . Don't forget the zest of 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons ) and the juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons ).
Finally, measure out 2 3/4 cups (344g) of all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
It's essential mise en place .
step-by-step to Lemon Cookie Heaven
Here’s how we get this show on the road.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix it all together well.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour . This is CRUCIAL!
Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes with your favorite cutters.
Bake for 8- 10 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Zest Christmas Biscuits
Okay, here are a few secrets I've learned over the years. First, chilling the dough is non-negotiable. It prevents spreading.
Second, don't overmix the dough. It'll make your iced lemon Christmas cookies tough. Finally, if you want an extra zing , add a tiny pinch of salt to the lemon zest before mixing it in.
It really enhances the lemon flavor. Now you've got delicious Christmas lemon slice cookies . These aren't just cookies, they're edible sunshine, ideal for those searching for festive lemon cookie ideas
Recipe Notes for Zesty Lemon Christmas Cookies Lemon
So, you're ready to bake some sunshine into your holidays? Awesome! Before you dive headfirst into making these Christmas cookies lemon , let's chat about some tips and tricks.
Honestly, I've made a few batches of these myself and learned a thing or two along the way. Like, who knew chilling dough was so important?
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
These Christmas cookies lemon are begging to be shown off. Think tiered stands draped with fairy lights. Dust them with a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
I love pairing them with a mug of steaming hot chocolate or some spiced apple cider the contrast is just chef's kiss .
For a grown-up twist, serve them alongside a glass of chilled Prosecco. Those bubbles play so nicely with the lemon.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh
Alright, let's talk storage. These iced lemon Christmas cookies are best when they're nice and soft.
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days , or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing Options: For longer storage, freeze the baked (and cooled) cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months . Defrost completely before icing. The same goes for the dough!
- Reheating Instructions: No need to reheat! These are perfect at room temperature. Honestly, trying to reheat a cookie is just asking for trouble.
Remix Time: Variations
Want to put your own spin on these easy lemon Christmas cookies ? Go for it!
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. I've used Bob's Red Mill with great results. For a vegan version, use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding a few drops of lime juice for a tangy twist. Or, for fall, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy spice. You could easily swap the lemon zest for orange zest.
Goodness Inside: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let’s talk nutrition. Obviously, these are holiday lemon sugar cookies , so they're not exactly health food. But a little treat now and then never hurt anyone! Each cookie has about 120 calories.
And that delicious lemon zest is packed with vitamin C. So you're kinda being healthy, right? These lemon zest Christmas biscuits will give you a little pep in your step.
These lemon cut-out cookie recipe are truly special because they are so delicious. Making these Christmas cookies with lemon glaze is all about creating joyful, delicious memories.
Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and remember that even if they don't look perfect, they'll still taste amazing.
So go ahead and get baking! You’ve got this. And trust me, your friends and family will thank you! I always make them with Christmas cookies lemon extract
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to chill the dough for these Christmas cookies lemon? Can I skip it if I'm in a hurry?
Chilling the dough is crucial, think of it as putting your cookie dough in a spa! It allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven and helps them hold their shape beautifully. If you skip the chilling, you might end up with flat, sad-looking cookies.
I wouldn't recommend skipping the chilling process, it is an essential part of the recipe!
My Christmas cookies lemon came out too tough. What did I do wrong?
Tough cookies usually mean the dough was overmixed. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much. Remember that time your nan told you not to stir the gravy for too long? It's the same principle! Be gentle when mixing the wet and dry ingredients just combine them until they come together.
Also, make sure you're measuring your flour accurately, spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping.
Can I freeze the dough or baked Christmas cookies lemon?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Baked cookies can also be frozen, just make sure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container.
This way, you can always have a sweet treat ready to go, even after the Christmas decorations come down!
What are some fun variations I can make to these Christmas cookies lemon recipe?
Get creative! Instead of lemon, try using lime for a zesty twist. You could also add a touch of almond extract to the dough for a marzipan like flavor. For decorating, experiment with different food colorings and sprinkles.
Or, dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate and then sprinkle with crushed candy canes for extra festive flair.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier this Christmas any tips for making these lemon Christmas cookies slightly better for me?
That's a great idea! You could substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Another option is to use whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber. Be mindful of the amount of icing and sprinkles you use, as they're packed with sugar.
And remember, everything in moderation it's Christmas, after all!
Zesty Lemon Christmas Cutout Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
