If you’re craving a burst of citrusy goodness, these Ultra Easy Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are just what you need. With their delightful tang and perfect chewy texture, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion. Plus, they come together quickly, so you can enjoy them in no time. Perfect for lemon lovers, these cookies will brighten up your day with every bite!
Steps
- Combine butter, sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl, using an electric mixer to blend for 1-2 minutes until creamy.
- Add lemon juice and an egg to the mixture, beating again until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gradually introduce flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing by hand with a spatula until a dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 60 minutes to enhance texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and prepare a small bowl with sugar for rolling the dough balls.
- Use a cookie scoop to shape the dough into balls, roll them in the sugar, and place them 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes until the edges begin to show a light golden hue.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar, for rolling cookies
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2210kcal | Carbohydrates: 326g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 336mg | Sodium: 888mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 180g | Vitamin A: 2964IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Why should I chill the cookie dough before baking?
- Chilling the cookie dough solidifies the fat, which means it melts slower during baking. This results in cookies that spread less, making them chewier and softer. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute chill can make a difference.
- How can I ensure my cookies stay moist?
- Properly measuring the flour is crucial to maintaining moisture in your cookies. Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Also, be sure not to over-bake them; remove the cookies when they are set but not yet browned.
- What causes sugar cookies to become hard?
- Sugar cookies can turn hard if they are baked for too long. To prevent this, take them out of the oven as soon as they are set and have a slight color on the edges, avoiding any browning.
- Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough for sugar cookies?
- Yes, refrigerating the dough for 30-60 minutes is recommended for this recipe. It helps in making the cookies chewier and thicker by reducing how much they spread during baking.
- How do sugar cookies differ from regular cookies?
- Sugar cookies typically contain a higher ratio of sugar and butter, resulting in a sweeter and more delicate flavor. Regular cookies might include additional ingredients like chocolate chips, oats, or nuts, offering a wider variety of tastes and textures.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for creaming with sugar, as it will result in a smoother and more consistent dough texture.
- Properly measure the flour using the spoon and sweep method to avoid dense or dry cookies due to excess flour.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and to achieve thicker, chewier cookies.
- Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract if you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor in your cookies.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer – For creaming the butter, sugar, and lemon zest together.
- Silicone Baking Mat – To line the baking sheet, which helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
- Cookie Scoop – For forming uniform dough balls.
- Cooling Rack – To allow the cookies to cool properly after baking.
