There’s something undeniably enchanting about Lemon Butter Cookies – Light, Crisp, and Made with Love. Picture golden, buttery morsels that melt in your mouth, infused with a bright citrus zing that dances on your tongue. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace as if your grandma just stepped out of a time machine to bake for you again.
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion—from an afternoon tea party to a cozy family gathering. I remember the first time I baked these little gems; my friends devoured them faster than I could plate them! Trust me; each bite promises a burst of flavor that leaves everyone asking for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Butter Cookies are simple to whip up, making baking feel like a breeze
- Their refreshing lemony flavor is both uplifting and invigorating
- The chic look of these cookies will impress guests at any gathering
- They’re versatile enough to enjoy year-round or during special occasions
I still chuckle when I think about the cookie swap last year—my batch of Lemon Butter Cookies vanished in seconds while everyone else’s cookies sat sadly on the table!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Always use room temperature butter for that creamy texture and rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the mixture while helping achieve that lovely crispness.
Fresh Lemons: Zest and juice are essential; opt for organic if possible for vibrant flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Basic yet vital; it gives structure while allowing those cookies to maintain their lightness.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise beautifully and stay fluffy while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully; don’t skip it!
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; it adds a sweet finish and makes them look adorable.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add in Lemon Goodness: Mix in the freshly grated lemon zest and juice; let that citrus aroma fill your kitchen! This step infuses your dough with brightness that will shine through in every cookie.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mix into your wet ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix or else tough cookies might haunt you!
Scoop and Shape Your Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry about perfection here; we’re going for rustic charm!
Bake Away!: Pop those beauties into the oven for around 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. As they bake, enjoy that heavenly lemon scent wafting through your home.
Cool & Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once baked, let them cool on wire racks before giving them a generous dusting of powdered sugar. You want them to look like they’ve just been kissed by winter snowflakes!
And there you have it! A batch of delectable Lemon Butter Cookies – Light, Crisp, and Made with Love! Enjoy with a cup of tea or share with loved ones (if you can resist eating them all yourself).
You Must Know
- Lemon butter cookies are light and crisp, making them perfect for any occasion
- The zesty lemon paired with creamy butter creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love
- Don’t forget to share; these cookies have a way of bringing smiles to faces!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures your lemon butter cookies are airy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for almond flour for a gluten-free version. You can also add poppy seeds for an extra crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store your lemon butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long, reheat in the oven briefly to regain crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly light cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour; this keeps your cookies tender
- Lastly, let the dough chill before baking to enhance flavors and improve texture
Baking these lemon butter cookies always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where every batch was made with a sprinkle of love and laughter.
FAQ
What makes lemon butter cookies so special?
The combination of buttery richness and zesty lemon creates a unique flavor experience.
Can I freeze lemon butter cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months; just thaw before baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges while the center remains soft; they will firm up upon cooling.
Lemon Butter Cookies
Lemon Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery richness with zesty lemon flavor. These light and crisp cookies melt in your mouth and are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with afternoon tea or sharing them with family, these cookies will bring joy to every occasion.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on wire racks before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
