Zesty Sunshine Delight: Homemade Lemon Cookie Recipe
Description:
These homemade Lemon Cookies are the perfect treat for those who crave a burst of citrusy sweetness. Infused with both fresh lemon juice and zest, they deliver an irresistible lemon flavor that will brighten up any snack time. Coated in a delicate dusting of confectioners’ sugar, these cookies are light, buttery, and just the right balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of afternoon coffee or gifting them to loved ones during the holiday season, these lemon delights are bound to leave a lasting impression.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces) | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar (caster or granulated) | 1/2 cup |
| Corn Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Zest | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour, corn flour, and salt together in a mixing bowl. Set the sifted mixture aside for later use. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, attach the paddle attachment and beat the unsalted butter, caster sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process will take about 3-4 minutes. -
Incorporate Lemon:
Add the fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture and continue to beat for another minute until fully incorporated. Then, add the lemon zest and mix briefly to combine. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until the dough begins to come together and all the ingredients are fully combined. You should have a soft but firm dough. -
Shape the Dough:
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and shape the dough into a ball. Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a cylindrical log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or cling film, then place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm the dough, making it easier to slice. -
Preheat the Oven:
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking. -
Slice the Dough:
Once the dough has firmed up, remove the logs from the refrigerator. Place them on a lightly floured surface and slice them into rounds that are about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the sliced cookie dough rounds on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each one to allow for spreading. -
Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch and the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking. -
Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the lemon cookies from the oven. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes—this allows them to firm up further. Gently transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. -
Finish with a Sugar Coating:
After the cookies have cooled, dip them into a bowl of sifted confectioners’ (icing) sugar, ensuring each cookie is lightly coated. This extra touch of sweetness will enhance the lemon flavor and make them even more irresistible. -
Serve and Store:
Store the lemon cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Serve with your favorite hot beverage, like coffee or green tea, or gift them to friends and family during the holiday season. These cookies also make a delightful addition to any cookie jar!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. The zest is what provides the essential citrus aroma that makes these cookies stand out.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling process! It helps the dough hold its shape during baking and ensures your cookies are tender and not too flat.
- Customization: If you’d like to add a little variety, you can mix in some chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package the finished cookies in a beautiful tin or cellophane bags, and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re a wonderful treat to share during the holiday season.
This Zesty Sunshine Delight Lemon Cookie recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tangy lemon flavor, making it a refreshing and delicious snack. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your afternoon tea or share a batch with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring sunshine to any occasion!
