Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe

Introduction

There’s something about the holidays that calls for sweet, zesty treats, and these Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are no exception. When I first made these cookies, I wasn’t sure how they would turn out, but they quickly became a family favorite. The combination of buttery softness and tangy lemon made them irresistible, and the powdered sugar dusting gave them that perfect festive touch. My family absolutely loved them—each bite is like a burst of sunshine, making them an ideal treat to share at any Christmas gathering. These cookies are so easy to make and leave a lasting impression, and I’m sure they’ll be on your holiday baking list every year!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tsp grated lemon zest (from fresh lemons)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
6. Shape and Bake
   • Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool and Finish
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – based on 24 cookies)

• Servings: 24
• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve these cookies at your holiday gatherings or festive occasions.
• Pair with a hot beverage like tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Pack them in festive tins for gifting.
• Serve alongside a plate of assorted holiday cookies for a sweet variety.
• Dust with more powdered sugar for an extra festive look.

Additional Tips

1. For extra lemon flavor, use lemon extract in addition to the lemon juice and zest.
2. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
3. Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and fluffy.
4. If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
5. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon and Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 1-2 tbsp of poppy seeds to the dough for a unique twist.
• Lemon Glaze: Top the cookies with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness and shine.
• Lemon Cranberry Cookies: Add dried cranberries to the dough for a tart contrast to the sweet lemon flavor.
• Lemon Almond Cookies: Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a nutty flavor.
• Lemon Coconut Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• These cookies are perfect on a holiday cookie tray.
• Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a light pairing.
• Pair with a creamy dessert like lemon cheesecake for a citrus-themed treat.
• Enjoy as an afternoon snack with a cup of hot cocoa or iced tea.
• Package them with a bow for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Dough: If you’d like to prepare the dough in advance, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Storing Cookies: Once baked and cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: You can freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, but using butter will yield a richer flavor and softer texture.
2. Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?
   Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
3. What happens if I overmix the dough?
   Overmixing the dough can lead to dense, tough cookies instead of light and fluffy ones.
4. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
   Yes, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring to give them a more vibrant appearance.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough or bake the cookies in advance and store them.
8. Can I use lemon zest from a bottle instead of fresh lemons?
   Fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor, but bottled zest can work if needed.
9. Why are my cookies flat?
   If the dough is too soft, the cookies may spread more than desired. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent this.
10. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
    Yes, chopped walnuts or pistachios would complement the lemon flavor nicely.

Conclusion

These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making them an irresistible treat for the holidays. The light, fluffy texture combined with the zesty lemon flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar makes them a festive favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them to friends and family, or enjoying them on your own, these cookies will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. With simple ingredients and an easy process, this recipe will be a go-to for your Christmas baking tradition.

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