Are you a fan of Panera Bread's delightfully zesty lemon cookies? That burst of sunshine in every bite? Well, you're in luck! This recipe will guide you through making these beloved cookies from the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget those pricey bakery trips – get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious, easy-to-make lemon cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas to complement a meal or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe fits the bill. This homemade cooking adventure will leave you with the best recipes for satisfying your lemon cookie cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer or hand mixer comes in handy! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your cookies.
Step 3: Bring it all together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – slightly lumpy batter is okay!
Step 4: Add the lemon flavor
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and lemon zest. Pour this vibrant mixture into the cookie dough and gently fold it in until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: 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. Once cool, enjoy the delightful taste of your homemade Panera-style lemon cookies!
Tips for the Best Lemon Cookies:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in the flavor of these cookies.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Glaze it up: Add a simple lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
- Add some crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans) to the dough for added texture.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Enjoy these easy recipes and healthy meals! These homemade lemon cookies are sure to become a family favorite. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying a delicious, zesty treat on your own. This recipe offers the best recipes for simple and satisfying baking. Happy baking!