Lemon Burst Cookies
Recipe Introduction: Lemon Burst Cookies
Fancy a bit of sunshine? These Lemon Burst Cookies are the thing! Honestly, they are like a ray of sunshine in every bite.
These aren't just any old cookies . They are zesty, tangy, and oh-so-moreish.
A Little Cookie History
This recipe is inspired by classic shortbreads. But, it also brings in a bright, citrus twist. Originating in my own kitchen after a craving for dessert on a rainy day, I wanted a cookie that screamed summer.
It's easy to whip up and takes about an hour to make 24 lemon cookies . Perfect for sharing. If you want of course!
Why You'll Love These Lemon Cookies
The best bit? Fresh lemon zest really makes these cookies pop. They're packed with vitamin C, so that's good, right? These lemon cookies are great for afternoon tea or a summer garden party.
Honestly, they will make you feel like you're on holiday. They are definitely one of a kind!
So, what do you need? This recipe is designed to be simple. No fancy baking skills needed. Let's grab the ingredients!
Ingredients for Sunshine
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- An egg
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest (the secret weapon!)
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Oh my gosh, I forgot to mention that an optional glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice takes them to a new level. It adds a tangy flavor.
Equipment You'll Need
- A stand mixer (or electric hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (if you are feeling fancy)
- Wire rack
- Zester
- Juicer
Honestly, who knew baking could be this easy?
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Lemon Cookies
Right then, let’s get down to the nitty gritty! Before we even think about baking these delightful lemon cookies , we need to gather our bits and bobs.
Honestly, it isn't an over complicated baking adventure, but getting everything prepped before you start is half the battle. Trust me, scrambling for lemon zest halfway through? No thanks!
Main Ingredients - Let's Get This Sorted!
Here's what you'll need to make about 24 lemon cookies . Remember, these are "Lemon Burst Cookies", so you are looking for that zing!
- Butter: 1 cup (226g, 2 sticks), unsalted and softened. Quality is key, right? Use a good brand.
- Sugar: ¾ cup (150g), granulated.
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature (about 50g). Let it sit out for at least 30 minutes!
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml), freshly squeezed. Seriously, use fresh! Bottled stuff? Nah.
- Lemon Zest: 2 teaspoons , finely grated (from about 2 lemons). This is where the magic happens!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
- Flour: 2 ½ cups (300g), all-purpose. Plus extra for dusting, you know how it is.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon .
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
- Powdered Sugar (for glaze): 1 cup (120g). Optional, but makes these cookies extra special.
- Lemon Juice (for glaze): 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml), freshly squeezed.
Seasoning Notes - A Little Extra Something
The combo of lemon zest and juice is the star here. We are aiming for a tangy dessert , a perfectly flavourful confectionery delight.
It's a total flavour explosion! The vanilla extract? That just enhances everything. For a bit of extra warmth, you could add a pinch of cardamom , but honestly, these are perfect as they are.
Essential Baking Gear
Okay, you don't need fancy gear for these pastries . A good electric mixer will make your life a lot easier.
If you are making lemon cookies , it's good to have on hand:
- Mixer.
- Mixing bowls.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Baking sheets.
- Parchment paper (trust me, it saves on washing up!).
- Wire rack for cooling.
Don't panic if you don't have everything! A big bowl and a wooden spoon works too. Honestly, my nan used to make cookies like this for years without any fancy equipment! Just makes the job easier, yeah?.
So, that's it! Get all this together, and you are good to go. Let's make some lemon cookies , shall we?
Baking Up Sunshine: Let's Make Lemon Cookies !
Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? We're about to make the most amazing Lemon Cookies ever! I’m talking seriously sunshine-y.
Think tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive. I'm sharing my version of the perfect baking experience that is inspired by classic shortbread cookies and is a burst of lemon flavour.
This dessert is so good and so simple. So, grab your apron, and let's do this!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's get organised. It’s called mise en place , fancy talk for "everything in its place." Measure out all your ingredients, especially the butter , which needs to be soft think mayo consistency! And don't forget that all-important lemon zest and juice.
Trust me, fresh is best! I always grate my zest over the mixing bowl. It’s a little thing, but it reduces cleaning up.
Safety Note : When zesting, avoid grating the white pith. It's bitter and nobody wants that ruining our cookies .
Lemon Cookie Creation: step-by-step
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg , lemon juice , lemon zest , and vanilla extract .
- Whisk together the flour , baking soda , and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes . This stops them from spreading too much.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line your baking sheets.
- Scoop the dough and bake for 10- 12 minutes , until the edges are lightly golden .
- Cool them on the baking sheets before moving to a wire rack.
My Secret Lemon Cookie Pro Tips
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is overbaking cookies . You want them just golden around the edges. Remember, they'll keep baking a little bit on the hot baking sheet even after you take them out of the oven! I have been a victim of baking them to long several times before.
Another tip? Use a microplane zester for the lemon zest . The finer the zest, the more lemon flavour you get.
If you're planning a baking party, you can make the dough a day ahead. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge!
Recipe Notes for Your Lemon Burst Cookies
Alright, let's talk about making these amazing Lemon Burst Cookies extra special! Honestly, there are so many things that could make them unforgettable.
It is the perfect dessert , biscuit or cake , depending on how you bake it. We'll cover serving, storage, and even some cool variations.
It is so easy to create those lemon cookies .
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Good
Presentation matters, right? These lemon cookies look fab on a pretty plate. Maybe add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top.
And trust me, they are amazing with a cup of iced tea . It is the perfect confectionery to offer with lemon .
For a fancy touch, serve them with a dollop of cream . Seriously, these are perfect summer cookies ! They could even act as pastries as well.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh
Want to keep these lemon cookies around for a few days? No probs. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days.
If you want to freeze them, go for it! Just pop them in a freezer safe bag. They'll last for up to two months.
When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature. They can even become a lemon flavored pastry if re-heated.
Variations: Let's Get Creative
Feeling adventurous? Add a hint of lavender. Honestly, a little lavender extract is all you need. Or try a dash of almond extract for a more marzipan flavour.
They're delicious too, these lemon cookies can totally handle it!. I once added chopped almonds . Omg, were so good! For a twist, use lime instead of lemon.
This will give you Citrus cookies with a different kind of tang. It can even be a low sugar recipe if you try using artificial sweeteners
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, let's be real. These lemon cookies are a treat! A rough estimate: about 120 calories per cookie. They have about 7g of fat, 1g of protein, and 14g of carbs.
But hey, the fresh lemon gives you a little vitamin C, right? So, enjoy these Tangy cookies in moderation. Remember that the lemon glaze affects the flavouring .
Time to bake some sunshine, folks! These notes will help you make the best lemon cookies ever. Have fun, experiment, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy. Happy baking !
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Lemon Cookies spread too much during baking?
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This usually happens when the butter is too warm, or the dough wasn't chilled for long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, and don't skimp on the chilling time at least 30 minutes in the fridge is ideal. Also, avoid over greasing the baking sheet.
Can I freeze the Lemon Cookies dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great time saver. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
It's like having a shop bought treat, but homemade!
How do I get the most lemon flavor in my Lemon Cookies?
The key is to use both lemon zest and lemon juice! The zest contains the most concentrated lemon oils, so don't be shy with it about 2 teaspoons from 2 lemons should do the trick. When zesting, try a microplane, and be sure to only zest the outer yellow layer of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice will also boost the tang!
How should I store these Lemon Cookies to keep them fresh?
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-5 days, though I doubt they'll last that long! To prevent them from drying out, you can add a slice of bread to the container it'll absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies nice and soft.
Alternatively, store in the fridge to keep them fresh for a little longer.
Can I make these Lemon Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it's a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the ingredients together and prevents the cookies from becoming crumbly.
You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!
Lemon Burst Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
