Lemon Cookies from Scratch
Description
These lemon cookies are baked from scratch with lemon juice, zest, and other simple ingredients for a soft, old-fashioned treat full of bright flavor.
Ingredients
•
1 cup white sugar
•
1/2 cup butter, softened
•
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
•
2 large eggs
•
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
•
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for rolling
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients.
2
Beat together sugar, butter, and lemon zest in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3
Whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla in a small bowl until combined. Beat into butter mixture slowly on low speed.
4
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add to egg mixture slowly on low speed until just combined. Do not overbeat; dough will be sticky. Cover and chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes; it will still be sticky after chilling.
5
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Form dough into balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, then roll each in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Lightly smash each ball down using your hand.
6
Bake in the preheated oven until the centers are just barely set, 11 to 12 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack completely before storing in an airtight container.