Lemon Refrigerator Cookies Recipe
Delight your taste buds with these zesty Lemon Refrigerator Cookies, a delightful treat that pairs the tangy brightness of lemon with the buttery richness of cookies. Perfect for large gatherings or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and store beautifully, making them a wonderful option to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing citrus dessert or a tasty snack to brighten up your day, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
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Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, begin by whipping the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy. This will provide the perfect base for your cookie dough. -
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Incorporate the Sugar:
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the whipped butter. Continue to mix until the sugar is fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Crack the egg into the bowl, followed by the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat the mixture well until everything is thoroughly blended. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent clumping. -
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Continue to mix well after each addition, ensuring that the dough is smooth and homogeneous. -
Shape the Dough:
Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and 6 inches in length. This shaping will make it easier to slice the cookies later. -
Wrap and Chill:
Wrap each dough log tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, or up to a week if you prefer to make them in advance. Chilling is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to cut into slices. -
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies to a golden perfection. -
Slice and Bake:
Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Slice each log into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place the cookie slices on greased cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading. -
Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. -
Cool:
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to set properly and helps them maintain their crisp edges.
Notes:
- Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Variations: For a twist, you can add a drizzle of lemon glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Enjoy the bright, tangy flavor of these Lemon Refrigerator Cookies, perfect for any occasion, and share the joy with friends and family. They’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your dessert collection! 🍪🍋
