If you are dreaming of a bright, zesty twist to your holiday baking, then this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest that add just the right amount of sparkle to your festive treats. The combination of tangy lemon with a tender crumb, finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, makes these cookies an absolute delight to bake and share with loved ones during the holidays and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe. Each element enhances the flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is soft, flavorful, and bright with lemony goodness.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for structure and softness in the cookie.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to that perfect soft texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic lemon juice to leaven and tenderize.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that beautiful crackled surface.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add depth to the crumb.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Delivers fresh tartness and a fragrant zing.
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with natural oils bursting through.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus with warm, sweet undertones.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a pretty finishing touch and gentle sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare to Bake
Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper — this is a simple step that prevents sticking and ensures even baking, so your cookies come off easily and with perfectly smooth bottoms.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blends your leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, crucial for consistent rise and texture in each cookie.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is essential to incorporate air, which helps give these lemon cookies their soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated, creating a smooth and stable dough base ready to absorb the lemon flavors.
Step 5: Stir in Lemon and Vanilla
Blend in the fresh lemon juice, grated zest, and vanilla extract. This is where your cookies start to shine with that bright citrus buzz and sweet warmth, making the dough irresistible even before baking.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft and tender rather than tough or dense.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important because the dough will spread slightly as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful light golden color. The centers will still be soft and delicate, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar to add a snowy, festive finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Serve Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These soft lemon cookies are beautiful on their own but adding a simple garnish like a thin lemon slice, a sprig of rosemary, or a few sugared cranberries can elevate their festive appeal and add a burst of color that feels perfect for the holidays.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea, a glass of sparkling lemonade, or even a cozy latte. They also make for a lovely companion to holiday brunch spreads, complementing light salads or fresh fruit platters wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging them on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh holly leaves or edible flowers to wow your guests. Packaging a batch in clear cellophane tied with a bright ribbon makes a heartfelt homemade gift sure to bring smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a zip-top freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your soft lemon cookies fresh from the freezer, simply thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven. This helps bring back that soft texture and fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
While lemon extract can provide flavor, fresh lemon juice and zest deliver a brighter, more natural citrus taste and the perfect zestiness that makes this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe stand out. For best results, stick with fresh.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make the cookies vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind that texture and taste might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Why are my lemon cookies too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking or reducing the butter slightly. Also, be sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too little flour can cause excess spreading.
Can I add frosting or glaze to these cookies?
Absolutely! A light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice complements these soft cookies beautifully. Just drizzle it over cooled cookies and allow it to set for an extra festive touch.
How do I make these cookies more festive for Christmas?
Try adding a sprinkle of red and green colored sugar before baking or topping with edible glitter or small festive sprinkles. Pairing with garnishes like cranberries or pomegranate seeds also adds that holiday magic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way these Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe balances soft texture with lively lemon flavors, making every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for the family or gifting friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy and brighten your holiday baking adventures. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and enjoy the sweet, tangy fun of this delightful recipe.
Print
Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies offer a delightful combination of zesty lemon flavor and a tender, soft texture. Perfectly sweetened and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they make a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing citrus cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest (from fresh lemons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating thoroughly after each to ensure a smooth and emulsified batter.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until evenly combined to infuse the dough with bright, aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling perfect doneness while maintaining softness.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh lemon zest for the best bright and natural lemon flavor.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Butter should be softened (not melted) to achieve the ideal creaming texture.
- Space cookies evenly on the baking sheet to prevent merging while baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
