If you love Christmas cookies but want something light, refreshing, and slightly tangy, these Christmas Lemon Cookies are the perfect treat! They combine the buttery richness of classic holiday cookies with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of citrusy goodness, making them a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or Santa’s plate, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
1. Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
Ingredients for the Lemon Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional Toppings & Decorations:
- White chocolate drizzle
- Sprinkles (red & green for Christmas)
- Extra lemon zest for garnish
Essential Kitchen Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Zester
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
2. Making the Lemon Cookie Dough
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugar
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- This takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Beat until well combined.
4. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Mix just until combined—don’t overmix to keep the cookies soft!
5. Chill the Dough
- Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes (this helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading).
3. Baking the Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Scoop 1-inch dough balls and roll them in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look.
3. Bake Until Just Set
- Place on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft.
4. Cool & Decorate
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate or top with extra lemon zest.
4. Serving & Storing
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with hot cocoa, tea, or mulled wine.
- Pair with other Christmas cookies for a festive cookie platter.
How to Store Lemon Cookies:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—just bake straight from frozen!
5. Variations & Add-Ins
1. Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Add extra powdered sugar before baking for a crinkled look.
2. Lemon Shortbread Cookies
- Swap baking soda for cornstarch to make them more crumbly and buttery.
3. Glazed Lemon Cookies
- Drizzle with a lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
4. Coconut Lemon Cookies
- Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
6. Conclusion
These Christmas Lemon Cookies are a bright, zesty, and festive addition to any holiday spread! The combination of buttery richness, fresh lemon flavor, and soft texture makes them irresistible. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a glaze, or rolled in powdered sugar, they’re sure to be a holiday favorite.
Happy baking, and enjoy your citrusy Christmas treats! 🎄🍪✨
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
2. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents spreading and enhances the lemon flavor.
3. How do I get more lemon flavor?
Add extra zest or a little lemon extract for a stronger taste.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
5. Can I add food coloring to make them more festive?
Absolutely! Add yellow or Christmas-colored sprinkles.
6. How do I prevent my cookies from turning out dry?
Don’t overbake! They should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
7. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
8. What’s the best way to decorate them?
Drizzle with white chocolate, lemon glaze, or festive sprinkles.
9. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter.
10. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking.
Enjoy your Christmas Lemon Cookies, and happy holidays! 🎄🍋✨