Are you craving a delicious treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! These Lemon Cream Cookies are the perfect answer. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture, these cookies are a delightful addition to any afternoon tea or a sweet ending to a satisfying meal. They're surprisingly quick to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will guide you through creating these delightful homemade cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer makes this step easier, but a hand mixer works perfectly too!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a beautiful bright aroma and flavor.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Lemon Juice Infusion: Gently stir in the lemon juice. This adds extra zing and moisture to the cookies.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cookies:
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. This results in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The zest and juice make a big difference!
- Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and shine.
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 5-7g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 2-3g
These Lemon Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the sunshine in every bite! They're perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply savoring a delicious homemade treat. Let me know in the comments how your lemon cream cookies turn out!