If you’re a fan of desserts with a citrusy zing, then you’re in for a real treat! These Lemon Twist Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The lemon flavor is bright and refreshing, making these cookies a standout treat whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon tea or as a sweet bite after dinner. Plus, they’re simple to make, and the dough can be prepped in advance, making them a great choice for those busy baking days!
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Why You’ll Love These Lemon Twist Cookies 🍋
Bright, Fresh Flavor: The lemon zest and juice give these cookies a punch of natural citrus flavor that’s perfect for lemon lovers.
Twist of Fun: These cookies don’t just taste good—they look fun too! Their twist shape adds a playful element to your cookie tray.
Soft and Chewy: With a slightly crisp edge and a chewy center, these cookies have a perfect texture that makes them irresistible.
Versatile Treat: Serve them at a spring brunch, take them to a summer picnic, or just enjoy them as an everyday sweet snack.
What Do Lemon Twist Cookies Taste Like? 😋
If you love the combination of sweet and tart, you’ll fall in love with these cookies. The lemon flavor is prominent, but not overpowering, thanks to a balance of lemon zest and juice. They have a light, buttery base that carries the lemon perfectly, and the twist shape adds a delightful texture contrast. And when they bake, your kitchen will be filled with the most refreshing citrus aroma!
Benefits of These Cookies
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly dough for make-ahead convenience.
- Great for gifting—these cookies pack and travel well!
- Customizable—you can tweak the flavor or even add a lemon glaze on top.
Ingredients for Lemon Twist Cookies 🍋
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or lemon glaze (see below for tips!)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Zester or microplane (for the lemon zest)
- Rolling pin
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No fresh lemons? You can substitute lemon extract or bottled lemon juice, though the flavor won’t be as fresh.
- Dairy-free? Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Extra lemony? Add a few more tablespoons of lemon juice or an extra pinch of zest to enhance the citrus punch.
- Love some crunch? Sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar before baking for a sweet, crispy texture.
How to Make Lemon Twist Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick. Cut the rope into 4-5 inch pieces and twist each piece gently to create a spiral shape.
Step 5: Bake
Place the twisted dough on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the cookies are completely cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (see below).
Lemon Glaze (Optional)
For an extra burst of lemony sweetness, try glazing your cookies! To make a quick lemon glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for about 15 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Lemon Twist Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also the perfect companion to a cup of hot tea, especially Earl Grey or chamomile. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a bowl of fresh berries.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Twist Cookies
- Use fresh lemons for the zest and juice—it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to work with. A quick 15-minute rest in the fridge will make it easier to roll and shape.
- Be careful not to overbake! The cookies should have a slight golden edge but remain soft and tender in the center.
- Experiment with other citrus flavors! If you love lemon, try making these with lime or orange zest for a fun twist.
How to Store Lemon Twist Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature and glaze them before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs About Lemon Twist Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
Q: How do I get more lemon flavor in the cookies?
A: For extra lemony flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add a bit of lemon extract to the dough. You can also enhance the lemon flavor by using a lemon glaze.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Just be sure to freeze the cookies before glazing them for the best results.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Twist into Lemon Bliss 🍋🍪
These Lemon Twist Cookies are bright, flavorful, and irresistibly fun to eat! They’re a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a die-hard lemon lover or just looking for a new cookie recipe to try, these twists are sure to brighten up your day.
Craving more lemony desserts? Check out my Lemon Bars or Lemon Ricotta Cookies for more citrus-inspired delights!
Don’t forget to share your Lemon Twist Cookies on Pinterest and tag me in your photos—I love seeing your creations! 🍋💛
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Lemon Twist Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick. Cut the rope into 4-5 inch pieces and twist each piece gently to create a spiral shape.
- Place the twisted dough on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze.
