Get ready to transform your kitchen into a citrusy paradise with these irresistible Soft Baked Lemon Cookies that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a cookie so perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, so soft it practically melts in your mouth, that you'll wonder how something this simple could be so incredibly delicious. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver sunshine in every single bite, guaranteed to brighten even the gloomiest of days.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your soft baked lemon cookies as a delightful treat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and lemon juice are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Zest matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. Avoid the white pith, which can make your cookies taste bitter.
- Don't overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Uniform sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes, which ensures even baking.
- Cool completely: Let cookies cool entirely on a wire rack to develop their perfect soft texture.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain moisture and softness.
- Optional glaze: For extra lemony punch, consider adding a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
