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+ servings
Lemon Cookies Recipe

Easy Lemon Cookies Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Soft, pillowy lemon cookies with a beautiful crackled powdered sugar coating. Each bite brings the perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors, making these cookies an irresistible treat for lemon lovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165

Ingredients
  

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microplane or zester
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop (optional but recommended)

Method
 

  1. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
  4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Chill dough for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
  8. Place on lined baking sheets 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake 11-13 minutes until edges are set but centers still look soft.
  10. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 78mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 14g

Notes

    • Room temperature ingredients work best, especially eggs and butter
    • For the brightest lemon flavor, use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice
    • When zesting lemons, avoid the white pith as it can add bitterness
    • Always measure flour correctly by spooning into measuring cup and leveling off

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