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! 🍋✨