There is something truly magical about the holidays, and nothing captures that warm, joyful spirit quite like our Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring a delightful burst of bright, zesty lemon flavor wrapped in a tender, soft texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies combine the sweetness of sugar with the refreshing tang of lemon to make your holiday celebrations even more memorable. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or a cozy night by the fire, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully. Each item plays a special role in creating that perfect texture, lovely flavor, and inviting aroma that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened butter adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp on the edges.
- Two large eggs: Eggs bring structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
- Lemon zest of 1 lemon: Packs a fresh, citrusy punch that brightens the entire recipe.
- Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Amplifies the lemon flavor and adds a bit of natural tang.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Balances the tartness with a gentle warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base of the dough, giving it shape and structure.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
- Baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon: Reacts with the lemon juice to make the cookies tender and fluffy.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors while keeping the sweetness balanced.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For rolling or dusting, adding a pretty and festive finish.
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar (optional): Perfect for extra holiday cheer and a splash of color.
How to Make Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps achieve an even bake.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air to help your cookies bake up tender and soft.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This combo is the heart of your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe, delivering that signature burst of bright, citrus flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This careful mixing makes sure your cookies will have the perfect lift and tenderness.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough soft and tender.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 7: Shape and Add Festive Touches
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. If desired, roll them in powdered sugar or festive sprinkles to add an extra holiday sparkle.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers still look slightly underbaked for that signature soft texture.
Step 9: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing step helps them firm up just right without losing their softness.
How to Serve Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade lemon glaze to elevate the presentation. Vibrant sprinkles or colored sugar give these cookies that whimsical, festive appearance perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair these lemony delights with a hot cup of tea, a cozy mug of cocoa, or even a bright glass of sparkling lemonade. They balance beautifully with warm or chilled beverages, making teatime or dessert feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe on a festive platter garnished with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of rosemary or mint. You can also package them in pretty tins or clear baggies tied with ribbons for charming homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay soft and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking—just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to cooking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness and lemony aroma. Just be careful not to overheat so they don’t turn dry.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon zest with lemon extract?
While lemon extract is potent, it doesn’t replicate the fresh, bright flavor of lemon zest. For the best results in this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe, try to use fresh lemon zest—it really brightens the cookie.
How do I keep my cookies soft for longer?
Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple wedge inside; these help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft for several days.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures equally, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for safe and tasty cookies.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for rolling?
No worries! You can skip the powdered sugar or use colored sugar or festive sprinkles—it adds a fun texture and holiday flair to your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe.
Can I add lemon glaze to these cookies?
Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice drizzled over cooled cookies adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish that’s perfect for gifts and celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe is a must-bake during the holiday season, blending freshness, sweetness, and cheer in every bite. Once you try these cookies, you’ll see why they become an instant favorite with family and friends. So grab your ingredients and get baking—happy holidays and happy indulging!
Print
Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies combine a tender, buttery texture with bright lemon zest and juice for a festive and delightful holiday treat. Soft and slightly chewy, they’re perfectly sweetened and optionally coated with powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles, making them a charming addition to any cookie platter or gift box.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar for rolling or dusting
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a soft texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully blended, infusing the dough with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain the soft texture without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. If desired, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar or festive sprinkles to add a decorative and sweet coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges appear set but the centers are still slightly underbaked for a soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies remain soft for several days when stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday gifting.
- For added sweetness and citrus flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over cooled cookies by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice.
- You can customize the look of these cookies with festive sprinkles to match any holiday decor.
