Lemon Drop Cookies are a delightful treat that embody the essence of citrusy sweetness, perfect for those who crave a burst of tangy flavor in their desserts. These cookies are not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly scrumptious, making them a must-have recipe in your collection, whether you’re baking for yourself or to share with loved ones.
With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a total cook time of 11 minutes, these Lemon Drop Cookies come together in a mere 16 minutes, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. The recipe yields approximately 48 cookies, ensuring there’s plenty to go around, whether you’re serving a crowd or simply indulging in a few for yourself throughout the week.
To begin crafting these delectable Lemon Drop Cookies, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, milk, unsalted butter, flour, sugar, an egg, baking powder, and baking soda. These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together harmoniously to create a cookie that’s bursting with citrusy goodness in every bite.
Once you’ve assembled your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the baking process. Begin by stirring 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into the milk and allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes to infuse the milk with a subtle hint of citrus flavor. In a bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until it’s smooth and creamy, taking care to ensure that it’s well softened for optimal texture.
Next, add half of the flour, along with 3/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, lemon peel, egg, and the milk mixture to the butter. Beat the ingredients until they’re completely combined, creating a smooth and cohesive cookie dough. Then, gradually beat in the remaining flour until it’s fully incorporated into the dough, ensuring a consistent texture throughout.
With your cookie dough prepared, it’s time to shape and bake the cookies. On an ungreased cookie sheet, drop the dough by rounded teaspoons, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Pop the cookie sheet into a preheated 350°F oven and bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned, signaling that they’re perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed.
Once baked to golden perfection, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool, allowing them to firm up and develop their irresistible texture. While the cookies cool, prepare a delightful finishing touch by stirring the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the remaining sugar, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that adds a burst of citrus flavor to each bite. Brush this delightful mixture onto the cooled cookies, adding a final flourish of lemony goodness that enhances their already irresistible flavor profile.
With their bright lemon flavor and tender texture, these Lemon Drop Cookies are sure to become a favorite among cookie lovers of all ages. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or shared with friends and family at gatherings and celebrations, these delightful cookies are guaranteed to brighten any occasion with their citrusy charm. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these Lemon Drop Cookies today and savor the joy of baking and indulging in a truly irresistible dessert experience.
