If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that balances zesty brightness with tender softness, you’ve got to try this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver a delightful burst of lemon flavor wrapped in a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for holiday parties or just cozy afternoons by the fire. This recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a cookie that’s irresistibly fragrant, soft, and crowned with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a refreshing change from the usual spiced Christmas sweets and will quickly become a new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s flavor and texture. From the fluffy butter base that gives a tender crumb to the fresh lemon zest that infuses each bite with zing, these essentials come together to create a beautiful balance of sweet and tart.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewiness you want in a soft cookie.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently, adding lightness without heaviness.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with baking powder to give just enough lift and prevents dense texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the lemon flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb through its creamy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while aiding in creating a light, soft cookie.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cookies’ softness and chew.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brings fresh citrus brightness that’s unmistakably lemony.
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest: Gives an intense lemon aroma and flavor depth that makes these cookies stand out.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the lemon’s tartness beautifully.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Creates a festive snow-kissed finish that’s visually stunning and adds delicate sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This little prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining them now ensures even distribution throughout the dough, helping your cookies rise beautifully and have consistent flavor with no surprises later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process is essential to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness and light texture in the final cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
Incorporate the eggs slowly, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and evenly mixed, preventing clumps and ensuring a tender bite.
Step 5: Stir in Lemon and Vanilla
Mix in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients infuse the dough with bright citrus notes and rich flavor that become the hallmark of this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough, which is the last thing we want for these soft delights.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. This spacing is key to ensuring each cookie bakes evenly and keeps its soft texture.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for edges that are just lightly golden. This timing delivers cookies that are cooked through but remain tender and soft, avoiding any dry crunchiness.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Finally, dust them generously with powdered sugar to add a festive look and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Serve Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling some finely grated lemon zest or a light drizzle of lemon glaze over the powdered sugar dusting. It adds a glossy finish and layers more lemon flavor that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a creamy vanilla latte. Their soft texture and bright lemon taste offer a refreshing contrast to rich or warm beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies on a tiered dessert stand for a holiday party or wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. The powdered sugar mimics snow, making your presentation extra seasonal and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain the soft texture and fresh lemon flavor that make this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe so special.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly for whenever the lemon cookie craving strikes again.
Reheating
To gently warm your cookies, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly (about 10 seconds). This softens the texture as if they were just baked, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice and zest give the most vibrant and natural flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, lemon extract can be used. Just remember it’s more concentrated, so start with less and adjust to taste.
How do I keep the cookies soft and not cakey?
Make sure not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients, and don’t overbake. Removing the cookies while the edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft will keep them tender and soft.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture for these cookies, but margarine can work if needed. Oil isn’t recommended as it changes the dough’s consistency, risking a greasy or overly dense cookie.
Is this recipe suitable for making mini cookies?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time by a few minutes and keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. Mini cookies make great bite-sized treats perfect for holiday gatherings.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
You can get creative by adding white chocolate chips, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist. Just be mindful not to overpower the fresh lemon flavor that makes this recipe shine.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe is more than just a holiday treat — it’s a celebration of bright flavors and soft textures that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Once you bake a batch, these cookies will become a beloved tradition, bringing cheer and a touch of sunshine to every festive occasion. I encourage you to try them out and share the joy of homemade cookies filled with fresh lemon goodness!
Print
Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are delightfully tender and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a zesty, soft treat. With a subtle sweetness and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on traditional holiday baked goods.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest (from fresh lemons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this creates air pockets for a soft texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them and add moisture to the dough.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract, ensuring all flavors blend uniformly into the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow the cookies to spread during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling that the cookies are cooked through but still soft.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen either as dough balls or baked cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
