These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are a holiday treat that will brighten your season with their zesty flavor and pillowy texture. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, they’re as festive as they are delicious. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or indulging in a cozy moment with a warm drink, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
- Bright & Citrusy: A refreshing twist amidst rich holiday desserts.
- Soft & Chewy: Perfectly tender cookies with just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for an elegant, easy-to-make treat.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Not just for Christmas—these cookies are delightful year-round!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure. Measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies puff up lightly.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Ensures softness by reacting with the lemon juice.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened – Soft but not melted, for even creaming.
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature for smoother mixing.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – For a bright and authentic citrus taste.
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest – Adds intense lemon flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Complements the lemon for a rounded flavor profile.
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar – Optional, but adds a festive touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace
- Preheat Your Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar.
- Beat on medium-high speed with a mixer for 2–3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure thorough mixing.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 2–3 increments.
- Mix on low speed, stopping as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
- If the dough is sticky, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
Step 6: Portion and Shape the Dough
- Scoop ~1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
- Roll into balls for a neat, round shape.
- Place on baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be golden, with slightly soft centers.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Once cooled, dust cookies with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Fun Decorating Ideas 🎨
Take your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies to the next level with these fun and creative decorating ideas:
- Festive Drizzle: Use colored icing (red or green) to drizzle over the cookies in zigzag patterns.
- Sprinkle Magic: Add holiday-themed sprinkles before the powdered sugar for extra cheer.
- Royal Icing Designs: Use royal icing to draw snowflakes, stars, or other festive motifs.
- Edible Glitter: Dust with edible glitter for a sparkly, magical touch.
- Lemon Glaze: Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle or dip the cookies for a glossy finish.
These additions make your cookies a visual delight, perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or gift boxes. Get creative and let the decorations reflect your holiday spirit!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with hot tea, coffee, or milk.
- Add them to a holiday cookie platter for a refreshing contrast to chocolatey treats.
- Wrap them in festive tins as edible gifts for loved ones.
Creative Variations
- Glazed Lemon Cookies: Drizzle with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla.
- Lemon-Lavender Twist: Add a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender for a floral note.
- Citrus Medley: Mix lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a multi-citrus flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon to balance the flavors.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure the butter isn’t overly soft, and chill the dough if it feels too sticky.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~140
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Wrap-Up 🎁
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies bring a burst of sunshine to your holiday table! Their delicate texture, vibrant citrus flavor, and snowy powdered sugar finish make them a festive favorite. Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering or just to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to delight.
Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Try these:
- Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Classic Shortbread Cookies
- Spiced Orange Snowballs
If you bake these, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest. Happy holidays and happy baking! 🍋✨
