Are you craving a delicious treat that's both easy to make and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor? Look no further! These Lemon Crisp Cookies are the perfect answer. They're incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and time, yet deliver a sophisticated and delightful taste that will impress everyone. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (if you consider dessert dinner!), or simply delicious dishes for any occasion.
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
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand if you're feeling strong!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a lovely tanginess and helps prevent the cookies from becoming too dry.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful lemon crisp cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Tips for the Best Lemon Crisp Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. This will result in lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Variations:
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for extra lemony goodness.
- Chocolate Swirl: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
- Different Citrus: Experiment with orange or lime zest instead of lemon for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These Lemon Crisp Cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. They’re a perfect example of how simple, healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious. Enjoy baking and sharing these sunny treats!