Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing quite captures the essence of cheer like Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest. Picture this: warm, buttery cookies emerging from the oven, their delicate aroma filling your home, and that zesty lemon scent dancing around like it’s auditioning for a spot in the Nutcracker. These cookies promise to be delightful little bites of joy that will have your taste buds singing carols.

I remember the first time I made these cookies. My kitchen turned into a festive battleground of flour and laughter as my kids tried (and failed) to keep their hands off the dough. The excitement was contagious, and every bite of those cookies felt like a hug from Grandma. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, these cookies are bound to become a cherished tradition in your home.

I still chuckle when I think about my niece’s face when she took her first bite; it was pure bliss—a moment where cookie magic truly happened.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; let it soften at room temperature before mixing.

• Granulated Sugar: This is what makes our cookies sweet and delightful; don’t skimp on the sugar!

• Powdered Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Egg Yolk: Just one yolk adds richness without making the dough too wet.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie; sift it for an airy texture.

• Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest gives these cookies a bright flavor; avoid dried zest at all costs!

• Baking Powder: Just a pinch helps our cookies rise slightly while keeping them soft.

• Salt: Enhances all flavors—never underestimate the power of salt in sweets!

• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to our cookie dough.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later on—trust me, you’ll thank yourself during post-baking chaos.

Create Your Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and both types of sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes—imagine tiny clouds forming in your bowl!

Add Egg Yolk and Flavorings: Mix in one egg yolk along with vanilla extract and freshly grated lemon zest. The aromatic explosion will make you feel like you’re standing in a lemon grove!

Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Sifting ensures there are no lumps—and who wants lumpy cookies?

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want soft cookies that melt in your mouth—not tough little hockey pucks!

Scoop & Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space between them as they’ll spread slightly! Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Let those glorious cookies cool on wire racks while you resist the urge to eat them all straight from the oven!

Enjoy these Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest as delightful treats during family gatherings or as gifts that show how much you care!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve cookie perfection, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add the eggs and lemon zest. Combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution before folding them into the wet mix. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown. This sequence prevents overmixing and guarantees a light texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even white chocolate chips for an extra twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute the lemon zest with lime or orange zest for a different citrus flavor profile. These small changes can elevate your cookie game and impress your friends.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; they’ll last up to three months! To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Sharing my first batch of these cookies brought a flood of compliments from friends who claimed they tasted like sunshine! Their smiles made all the effort worthwhile and turned me into a holiday baking enthusiast.

FAQ

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Using margarine is possible but might alter the texture slightly; butter provides rich flavor and tenderness that margarine cannot replicate fully.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center; they may appear slightly underbaked as they firm up while cooling.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage, ensuring fresh cookies whenever you want!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

Chill your dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if it’s too sticky; this helps it firm up and makes rolling easier.

Conclusion for Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest

In summary, these Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest are delightful treats bursting with flavor, perfect for any festive occasion. By following the tips provided on preparation, storing methods, and customization options, you’ll create cookies that not only taste amazing but also have everyone clamoring for more! Happy baking!

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Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Easy Christmas Butter Cookies with Lemon Zest are the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday celebrations. These soft, buttery cookies are infused with zesty lemon flavor, making them a delightful addition to any gathering. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and charming appearance, they’re not just delicious but also Instagram-worthy! Whether enjoyed by the fire or gifted to loved ones, these cookies create warm memories that last a lifetime.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on wire racks before enjoying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months. To make ahead, refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking.