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Hey there, cookie lovers!
The holiday season is here, and you know what that means—it’s baking time!
I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Christmas cookies with lemon zest.
These cookies are sweet, zesty, and filled with that festive spirit!
They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or just enjoying on your own.
Let’s spread some holiday cheer, one cookie at a time!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12-14 minutes |
| Total Time | 27-34 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (286 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (227 grams, room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (189 grams, sifted)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Extra lemon zest (for garnish, if desired)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set this bowl aside for later use.
This will help ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt in the cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once to ensure everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the egg on medium speed until it is very well combined, about 1 minute.
Scrape down the bowl again.
On low speed, add the previously set aside flour mixture and blend until just incorporated.
The dough will be slightly dry, but should come together with a little mixing.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Cookie Dough
Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, drop 1 ½-tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Roll each ball of dough with your palms for a round shape, then gently flatten each ball to about 1/3-inch thick using your palm.
Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until they are just set and slightly golden brown at the edges.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
After that, transfer the cookies to cooling racks and let them cool completely before serving.
