Christmas Cookies Lemon: 7 Reasons to Bake Today

Name: Christmas Cookies Lemon: 7 Reasons to Bake Today
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for dusting

June 6, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The kitchen fills with the warm, sweet smell of cookies, and it instantly brings back those cozy memories of childhood. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are these delightful Christmas cookies lemon. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon adds a cheerful twist to the usual holiday treats. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll feel like you’re biting into a piece of sunshine! Plus, they’re perfect for gifting or sharing at festive gatherings. Let’s get this holiday baking party started!

christmas cookies lemon - detail 1

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious Christmas cookies lemon. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect texture and flavor, so let’s dive in!

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
1 teaspoon baking powder: This little magic ingredient helps your cookies rise and gives them a lovely light texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is where the richness comes from. Let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft and creamy. If you forget to take it out, you can quickly soften it in the microwave, just be careful not to melt it!
1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener gives your cookies that delightful sweetness and helps create a nice texture. It’s best to use the standard white sugar for this recipe.
1 large egg: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing!
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for that zesty brightness. It really makes these cookies pop with flavor!
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Grate the outer peel of a lemon to get this fragrant zest! It adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the lemon flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds warmth. You can’t go wrong with a good quality extract!
Powdered sugar for dusting: This is the final touch! A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies look as good as they taste and adds a little extra sweetness.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to baking up some delightful lemony goodness! Trust me, they’re worth every bit of effort.

How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Lemon

Preparing the Dough

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up this dough! First, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is super important because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise beautifully! In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it really makes a difference in texture!

Once your butter and sugar are creamy, crack in that large egg, then pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. Now, it’s time to gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your cookies might end up tough!

Baking the Cookies

Now that we have our dough ready, let’s make some delicious cookies! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between because they will spread a bit while baking.

Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different! You want them to be set but still soft in the middle. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen during this time will be heavenly!

Cooling and Dusting

Once your cookies are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, here’s the fun part: once the cookies are cool, grab that powdered sugar and dust a light coating over the top. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also makes them look so festive and pretty! I love how the powdered sugar contrasts against the bright lemon color. You’re going to love the final result!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful Christmas cookies lemon, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data per cookie:

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these are estimates, and the actual values may vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoy these cookies in moderation and share the joy with family and friends!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure you nail these Christmas cookies lemon like a pro! Here are my top tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that vibrant flavor. If you can, zest your lemons just before using them for the best aroma and taste.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender!
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling the cookies easier and helps them maintain their shape during baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. If in doubt, take them out a minute early!
Let Them Cool: Be patient! Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking apart.
Experiment with Flavor: While lemon is the star here, feel free to play around with other citrus zest or a hint of almond extract for a unique twist!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of delicious Christmas cookies lemon that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, here are some delightful variations for your Christmas cookies lemon that will add a fun twist to your holiday baking!

Orange Zest: Swap out the lemon zest for orange zest for a bright and festive flavor. It gives the cookies a sweet, citrusy essence that’s perfect for the season!
Lemon Lavender: Add a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant and elegant twist. The combination of lemon and lavender is simply divine!
Chocolate Chip Lemon Cookies: Fold in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a delicious contrast to the tangy lemon. The chocolate adds richness that complements the bright flavor beautifully!
Lemon Coconut: Mix in some shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical vibe. Coconut adds a chewy texture and pairs perfectly with the lemon!
Lemon Almond: Substitute a teaspoon of almond extract for the vanilla for a nutty flavor boost. The almond adds a lovely depth that works harmoniously with the lemon.
Glazed Lemon Cookies: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until smooth and drizzle away!

These variations are sure to bring some new excitement to your holiday cookie trays. So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds guide you in making these Christmas cookies lemon uniquely yours!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked up a delightful batch of Christmas cookies lemon, it’s important to know how to store them properly so they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how I do it:

Storing Cookies: Once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. If you’re planning to keep them for more than a few days, you can also pop them in the fridge, but they might lose a bit of that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Layering: If you’re stacking cookies in the container, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. This little trick can save you from a cookie crumble disaster!
Freezing for Later: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

Now, for reheating, if you like your cookies warm and fresh, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will revive that soft texture and bring back the delicious aroma! Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out. And there you go—perfectly stored and ready to enjoy again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas cookies lemon are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit! Here’s why you’re going to adore making (and eating) them:

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies without breaking a sweat. Perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions!
Bright and Zesty Flavor: The refreshing lemon flavor adds a unique twist to traditional holiday cookies, making them a delightful surprise for family and friends.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a festive tin or box, and you’ve got a lovely homemade gift that shows you care. Everyone loves receiving baked goodies during the holidays!
Great for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or attending a potluck, these cookies are a hit! They look beautiful on any dessert table and are sure to impress your guests.
Customizable: With so many variations to explore, you can easily switch it up to match your mood or occasion. From adding chocolate chips to a lemon glaze, the possibilities are endless!
Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a fun activity to do with kids. They’ll love rolling the dough and dusting the cookies with powdered sugar—plus, the end result is a delicious treat!

Trust me, once you make these Christmas cookies lemon, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed juice really elevates the taste of these Christmas cookies lemon and gives them that vibrant, zesty kick!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on those edges! The cookies are done baking when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. If they look too golden, they might be overbaked. Trust your instincts; a little underbaking is okay since they’ll continue to firm up while cooling!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough a bit too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill. This will make it much easier to roll into balls and help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Can I add mix-ins to these cookies?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! Adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even nuts can take these Christmas cookies lemon to the next level. Just keep in mind that mix-ins may change the texture a little, but they’ll still be delicious!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.