In this delectable article, we’re diving into the world of baking as we walk you through the creation of a batch of mouthwatering lemon zest cookies. These cookies are the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, with a burst of refreshing lemon flavor in every bite. Follow our step-by-step guide to bring these delightful treats to life and become a baking maestro in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for our lemon zest cookies. This recipe yields about 20 cookies, ensuring that there’s plenty to share or savor all by yourself.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (113g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (30ml)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (6g)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (192g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2-4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: baking the lemon zest cookies. Follow these easy steps for a successful baking experience:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookie dough is all set. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Add the Egg and Lemon Zest: Crack the egg into the butter-sugar mixture and beat it in until well incorporated. Then, add the fresh lemon juice and the tantalizing lemon zest, which will infuse the cookies with a burst of citrusy flavor. Mix everything until smooth and aromatic.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. If you’re aiming for a sunny appearance, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookie Dough: Take small portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls, each about the size of a walnut. The dough might be slightly sticky, but that’s perfectly normal. Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar until they are coated, creating a subtle sweetness on the outside.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated dough balls on the sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading during baking. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for approximately 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking; you want the edges to be slightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. As they cool, the flavors will meld, resulting in a delightful treat that’s both crispy and chewy. When they’re at the perfect temperature, grab a cookie and savor the burst of lemony goodness with each bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute the lemon zest with bottled lemon juice?
A: While bottled lemon juice can be used, fresh lemon zest provides an essential burst of citrus fragrance that bottled juice might lack. It’s recommended to use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
Q: Do I have to use food coloring to achieve the yellow hue?
A: The yellow food coloring is optional and used primarily for aesthetic purposes. If you prefer the natural look of the cookies, feel free to skip the food coloring without affecting the taste.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
A: To control spreading, ensure that your butter is at the right temperature (softened but not melted), and avoid overmixing the dough. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
A: Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?
A: While granulated sugar works best for the classic texture and taste of these cookies, you can experiment with other sugars like brown sugar or coconut sugar. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Q: How can I store the baked cookies to keep them fresh?
A: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To extend their freshness, you can freeze the cookies for up to two months.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully embarked on a baking journey to create delectable lemon zest cookies that are bursting with flavor and charm. With the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, these cookies are bound to become a favorite among your family and friends. Remember to savor each bite and share the joy of homemade baking. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful experience of crafting these scrumptious treats!
