Christmas Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Lemon Sugar Cookies are a festive twist on a classic treat, combining bright lemon flavor with a tender, buttery texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and citrusy notes that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: If you prefer a slightly crackled surface, place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then gently roll in powdered sugar before placing on the baking sheet. Otherwise, roll plain dough balls.
7. Step 7: Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to about ¼ inch thickness.
8. Step 8: Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
9. Step 9: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the vanilla.
• If you like a softer cookie, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
• Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar for a festive look.
• Substitute butter with a quality margarine for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary slightly.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, warm them briefly in the oven at low temperature to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best bright and natural flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if needed. Just be sure to choose pure lemon juice without added preservatives for the best taste.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies from spreading excessively.

Christmas Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

These Christmas Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightful treats combining a soft, tender texture with a bright lemony flavor. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies feature fresh lemon juice and zest, offering a refreshing twist on a classic sugar cookie. Lightly crisped on the edges and optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional

• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning in the dough.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for a tender, airy cookie texture.
4. Add flavorings: Incorporate the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until fully combined and fragrant, which infuses the dough with bright, citrusy notes.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Optional rolling in powdered sugar: For a slightly crackled and festive surface, pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then gently roll the ball in powdered sugar before placing it on the baking sheet. Alternatively, you can skip this step and place plain dough balls on the sheet.
7. Shape cookies: Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Then, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to approximately ¼ inch thickness for even baking.
8. Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should turn lightly golden while the centers remain set but soft.
9. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet after removing from the oven to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and preserves crispness.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly zested lemons and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Room temperature ingredients, especially butter and egg, help the dough come together smoothly and bake evenly.
• If you prefer a chewier cookie, bake on the shorter end of the time range and cool thoroughly.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, lemon sugar cookies, holiday baking, citrus cookies, festive desserts, sugar cookie recipe