Lemon Poundcake Cookies

If you love the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, then Lemon Poundcake Cookies are going to be your new favorite treat! These cookies are soft, buttery, and have the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet sweetness, reminiscent of a classic poundcake in cookie form. They’re light, yet rich in flavor, with a chewy texture that’s totally irresistible. Seriously, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. The combination of lemon zest and a hint of vanilla makes each cookie absolutely dreamy. And did I mention how easy they are to make? Trust me, these are a must-try for anyone who craves a fresh, citrusy dessert!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Poundcake Cookies

These cookies are everything you want in a dessert: sweet, tangy, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent. Here’s why you’re going to love them:

Zesty and Refreshing

Lemon is the star of the show here, with fresh zest giving the cookies a burst of bright, refreshing flavor. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that’ll leave you craving more with every bite.

Soft and Chewy

These cookies have the soft, slightly dense texture of a classic poundcake, but in cookie form. They’re chewy on the inside, with slightly crisp edges, making them incredibly satisfying with every bite.

Simple Ingredients

No fancy ingredients required here. These cookies come together with just a few pantry staples, making them super simple to make. You probably already have everything you need at home!

Quick and Easy

From start to finish, these cookies are ready in about 30 minutes. No long waits, no complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake. It’s an easy dessert that anyone can make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations or just as an everyday treat to brighten your day. They’re the kind of cookie that always impresses, yet requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

With just a few basic ingredients, these cookies come together effortlessly. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lemon Poundcake Cookies:

• Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the cookies, helping them stay soft and chewy.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies, giving them their shape and structure.
• Baking Powder: A little bit of baking powder helps the cookies rise and gives them their soft, light texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cookies, complementing the lemon flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest is the key to getting that vibrant citrusy flavor throughout the cookies. Don’t skip it!
• Lemon Juice: Adds a little tang and enhances the lemon flavor, bringing a freshness to the dough.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Here’s how to make these easy, flavorful Lemon Poundcake Cookies:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand with a whisk. This step helps give your cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The lemon zest is what gives the cookies that fresh, citrusy punch, so be sure to zest the lemon finely for the best flavor.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might turn out tough.

Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies don’t spread too much, so you don’t need to worry about them running into each other.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. You want them to be soft and slightly chewy, so keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them with a cup of tea, or enjoy them on their own as a delightful treat.

How to Serve Lemon Poundcake Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ideas to serve them:

• With Tea: These cookies are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea. The light lemon flavor is a great complement to both black and herbal teas.
• On a Dessert Tray: Serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter at a party or family gathering. Their bright yellow color makes them pop and look so inviting!
• With a Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle the cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little milk. It adds a nice glossy finish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Lemon Poundcake Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Lemon Extract: If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use lemon extract in place of the zest and juice. Just use about 1 teaspoon of extract.
• Add Some Poppy Seeds: If you like the flavor of lemon poppy seed poundcake, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a fun twist.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a big batch and save some for later!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120-140 (approximate, based on typical ingredients)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A1: It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the cookies. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.

Q2: Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon zest?
A2: Yes! You can substitute lemon extract for lemon zest and juice. Use about 1 teaspoon of extract to replace the zest and juice.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q4: Can I add other citrus flavors?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to swap in orange zest or a bit of lime juice for a different citrusy twist.

Q5: How can I make the cookies more lemony?
A5: You can add extra lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice to the dough for a more intense lemon flavor. You could also top them with a lemon glaze for an extra zing.

Q6: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A6: Yes! The cookies can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Q7: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
A7: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Q8: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

Q9: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A9: Chilling the dough isn’t required, but it helps the cookies hold their shape better. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Q10: How can I make these cookies crispy?
A10: For a crispier cookie, flatten the dough slightly before baking, or bake for a minute or two longer.

Conclusion

Lemon Poundcake Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a tangy, sweet, and buttery dessert. They’re light, refreshing, and bursting with that bright lemon flavor we all crave. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at your next gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a batch of sunshine in cookie form!

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