Name: Lemon Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Optional: additional lemon zest or sprinkles for decoration

As the holiday season twinkles with the promise of joyous gatherings and heartfelt traditions, there’s nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air to set the Yuletide mood. Among the plethora of sweet delights that adorn our tables this time of year, I hold a special place in my heart (and on my cookie platter) for a zesty twist on a holiday classic – the scrumptious Lemon Christmas Cookies.

How to Make Lemon Christmas Cookies

Lemon Christmas Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that combines the tangy, refreshing flavor of lemon with the warmth of holiday baking. These cookies often feature a soft or slightly crisp texture and are a popular choice for Christmas cookie trays and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional: additional lemon zest or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

Prepare the Dry Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine and set aside.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and beat slowly until you have a smooth dough. Avoid over-mixing, which can lead to tougher cookies.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until it’s firm enough to handle. This chilling step is crucial to ensure your cookies maintain their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden. The centers should still be slightly underdone, as they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a spoon to drizzle the lemon glaze over each cookie or dip the tops into the glaze. If desired, sprinkle with extra lemon zest or colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Let it Set: Allow the glaze to set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Tips:

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform dough consistency.
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it can make the difference between perfectly shaped cookies and ones that have spread too much.
Zest your lemons before juicing them—it’s much easier this way.
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; since oven temperatures can vary, your baking time might differ.
For an extra lemony kick, you can increase the amount of zest or incorporate lemon extract into your dough.
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before glazing to avoid the glaze melting and running off.
If you want a more festive appearance, personalize your cookies with different shapes using cookie cutters. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly for larger or smaller shapes.

What to serve with

Lemon Christmas Cookies are delightfully refreshing and carry a zesty punch, making them a fantastic treat for the holiday season. Pairing them with complementary beverages and other treats can elevate your holiday dessert experience.

Beverages:

1. Tea:

Earl Grey: The bergamot in Earl Grey tea pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes of lemon in the cookies.
Chamomile Tea: For a soothing touch, chamomile tea’s mild and slightly floral taste complements the sharp zestiness of the Lemon Christmas Cookies.
Green Tea: A light and subtly grassy green tea can balance the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

2. Coffee:

Latte or Cappuccino: The milk in these coffee preparations adds a creamy texture that complements the crisp texture of the Lemon Christmas Cookies.
Espresso: For those who prefer a strong coffee flavor, a shot of espresso can enhance the lemon zest as its bitterness contrasts with the sweetness and acidity.

3. Dessert Wines:

Moscato: This slightly sparkling, sweet wine has hints of citrus and peach, echoing the fruity vibes of lemon.
Riesling (sweet style): A sweet Riesling complements the lemon flavor with its brightness and slight sweetness.

4. Hot Chocolate:

A classic choice during the holiday season, hot chocolate provides a rich and creamy contrast to the tangy cookies. To maintain a good balance, opt for a lighter version without too much sweetness.

Other Desserts:

1. Fruit Tarts or Pies: Complement the cookies with a fruit-based dessert, such as a berry tart or a classic apple pie, to continue the fruity theme without overpowering the lemon.

2. Cheesecake: The creamy richness of cheesecake, especially a New York-style or a ricotta-based one, contrasts delightfully with the crisp and tangy lemon cookies.

3. Vanilla or Berry Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream next to the cookies. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream combined with the crunchy cookies makes for a delightful dessert experience.

Snacks:

1. Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be offered as a crunchy counterpart that complements the textures in the cookies.

2. Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and aged Cheddar. The creamy and sometimes sharp flavors of the cheese can enhance the lemon flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Lemon Christmas Cookies, you might miss an ingredient or two or perhaps look for alternatives due to dietary restrictions or flavor preferences.

Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice

Substitute for Lemon Zest:

Orange or Lime Zest: They can provide a similar citrusy fragrance and flavor, though the profile will slightly change.
Lemon Extract: If you’re out of fresh lemons, lemon extract can work in a pinch. Use about one teaspoon of lemon extract for every tablespoon of lemon zest.

Substitute for Lemon Juice:

Lime Juice: Offers a similar citrusy tang, though a bit sharper.
Orange Juice is milder and sweeter but can provide the necessary acidity. It works best if you also use the corresponding zest for a harmonious flavor.
Vinegar (in small amounts): If the lemon juice is intended to activate baking soda, a touch of vinegar could serve as a last-resort substitute. Use sparingly.

Butter

Margarine: Works in a 1:1 ratio and keeps the flavor profile relatively unchanged, though the texture might slightly vary.
Coconut Oil: Use solid at room temperature for a dairy-free option. It can slightly change the flavor profile, giving the cookies a coconut undertone.
Vegetable Shortening: While it can alter the texture, making the cookies a bit crisper, it’s a suitable substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

Flour

Gluten-Free Flour Mix: For those avoiding gluten, a pre-packaged gluten-free flour blend designed for baking is usually the most straightforward substitute.
Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These can be used as a lower-carb option, but remember that they will significantly change the texture and flavor of the cookies. You may need to adjust quantities and add an extra binding agent, as these flours don’t behave like wheat flour.

Sugar

Coconut Sugar: Offers a deeper flavor and is a bit healthier, but can also change the color and flavor profile.
Honey or Maple Syrup: For a more natural sweetener, you can use honey or maple syrup, though this will also affect the flavor and texture. You’ll need to adjust the amount and possibly reduce other liquid ingredients to compensate.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These sweeteners can be used for those looking for a sugar-free option. However, the conversion isn’t 1:1, so you’ll need to check the packaging for substitution ratios.

Eggs

Applesauce: A quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg. This substitute adds moisture and binds the mixture, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it gels up, and use this mixture as a substitute for one egg. This is particularly useful for vegan baking.

Baking Powder

Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: If you are out of baking powder, you can make your own. Use two parts cream of tartar to one part baking soda.

Final Thoughts

Experimenting with substitutes can be a fun and resourceful way to bake these Lemon Christmas Cookies, but it’s always good to do a small test batch first to ensure the results meet your expectations.

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