Lemon Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Yellow food coloring (optional)
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you want a bright yellow color, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring at this point.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. For extra lemon flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or fork. Allow the glaze to set before serving.