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–+ servings
Lemony Butter Cookies

Lemony Butter Cookies

Deliciously soft and topped with a refreshingly sweet glaze, these lemony butter cookies are the perfect addition to any dessert table. Soft and tender these lemon cookies are easy to make and give a burst of fresh flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 30
Calories 111 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cookies:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with
    parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the
    powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well to incorporate.Without
    changing bowls, add the flour and salt to the mixture.
  • Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and a homogeneous dough
    forms.
  • Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for
    30 minutes.
  • Shape the cookies: Divide the chilled dough into small portions and roll them
    into balls about the size of a walnut.
  • Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
  • Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or with a fork.
  • Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the
    edges are slightly golden.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before
    transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and
    softened butter until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
  • Decorate the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze
    over them using a spoon or a piping bag.
  • Garnish with lemon zest on top while the glaze is still wet.
  • Let set: Allow the glaze to harden before serving the cookies.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature before
    starting. This makes it easier to cream with the sugar and ensures a more
    homogeneous mixture.
  • Lemon Zest: Use a fine grater to get the lemon zest. Avoid grating the white
    part (pith) of the lemon, as it is bitter.
  • Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for the cookies to hold their
    shape during baking. If you want firmer cookies, you can chill the dough for a longer time, even up to an hour.
  • Flavor Variations: You can experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime, substituting the lemon zest and juice with the zest and juice of these
    fruits.
  • Flour Mixing: Sift the flour before adding it to the mixture to avoid lumps and achieve a smoother texture in the cookies.
  • Baking Times: Watch the cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking. Every oven is different, and the time may vary. The cookies should have slightly golden edges but not be too golden in the center.
  • Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner
    glaze, add a bit more lemon juice. Adjust the consistency to your preference.
  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life, although they might lose some of their soft texture.
  • Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, you can lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar after the glaze has set.
  • Freezing: The cookie dough can be frozen if you want to prepare it in advance. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake, simply place them on the baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 21mgPotassium: 13mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword lemon cookies, soft cookies, Soft, buttery cookies topped with a sweet lemon glaze
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