Lemon Drop Cookies

There’s something truly special about baking Lemon Drop Cookies on a sunny afternoon. The zestful aroma of fresh lemons fills the kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. I can still recall the first time I tried making these delightful treats. My grandmother had a way of turning even the simplest recipes into a cherished memory. As I sifted the flour and zested the lemons, I felt her presence beside me, guiding my hands. The first batch of cookies came out perfectly golden, with a light glaze coating that made them shimmer. When I took that first bite, the burst of citrus and sweetness transported me to those sunny days spent in her kitchen. Now, every time I bake Lemon Drop Cookies, I’m reminded of those sweet moments. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea, and they never fail to brighten someone’s day. Whether it’s a spring picnic or a cozy gathering, these cookies are bound to be a hit.

Ingredients for Lemon Drop Cookies

The ingredients for Lemon Drop Cookies are simple yet effective, working harmoniously to create a delightful treat. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the zesty lemon to the comforting butter. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the final flavor.

• 1 1/4 cups flour: The foundation of the cookie, flour provides the necessary structure.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a tender crumb.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature: The butter adds richness and creates a tender texture.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: This sweetener provides the main sweetness and helps create the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: This adds a bit of crunch when rolled on the outside of the cookies.
• Zest of 1 large lemon: The zest is essential for that bright lemon flavor.
• Juice of ½ lemon: The juice adds a tangy flavor that brightens the cookies.
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used to create a sweet and glossy glaze.
• Juice of about 1 lemon: This will give the glaze a lovely lemon flavor.

Putting Together Lemon Drop Cookies

Making Lemon Drop Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, zesty cookies in no time!

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Preheating is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. You want the cookies to rise correctly and develop a lovely golden color.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until combined and set aside. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies to rise uniformly.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Beat on medium until the mixture is creamy and smooth. You want a fluffy consistency, as this will help create light cookies.

4. In a small bowl, rub granulated sugar and lemon zest together. This helps release the oils in the zest and amplifies the lemon flavor. Add this mixture to the butter mixture and blend until smooth. The aroma at this stage is simply heavenly.

5. Add the juice of ½ lemon to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Take a moment to appreciate the refreshing scent!

6. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the dry ingredients. This gradual addition helps prevent flour from flying everywhere. Mix until just combined.

7. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and mix until the flour mixture is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to handle.

8. Once chilled, roll the cookie dough into little balls, about a tablespoon of dough per cookie. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

9. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are very slightly browned. The tops will remain pale. Remove them from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

10. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl using a whisk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

11. Dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let them sit until the glaze hardens. This creates a lovely topping that adds to the deliciousness of the cookies!

Recipe Tips about Lemon Drop Cookies

Making Lemon Drop Cookies is a joy, and a few tips can enhance your experience. Consider these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps them stay soft and fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape it into balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Variations: Experiment by adding white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also try adding different citrus juices for a twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these cookies with tea or coffee. They make a delightful afternoon snack and are perfect for gatherings.
• Glazing Tip: For a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice; for a thinner glaze, add more juice until desired consistency is reached.

Side Dish Ideas for Lemon Drop Cookies

When it comes to serving Lemon Drop Cookies, a few pairings can elevate your experience even further. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Tea Time: These cookies are perfect with a cup of herbal tea. The citrus flavor complements the tea beautifully.
• Spring Picnics: Pack them for outdoor gatherings. They hold up well in lunchboxes and are a refreshing treat.
• Brunch Buffets: Serve alongside other pastries and breakfast items for a delightful brunch spread.
• Festive Occasions: Use them as part of a dessert table at celebrations or gatherings, appealing to both children and adults.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep them in a sealed container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy these cookies during spring celebrations or as a light dessert after a hearty meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Making Lemon Drop Cookies is a delightful experience that combines refreshing flavors and simple techniques. The vibrant lemon taste, paired with a light glaze, makes them a standout treat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion, and I promise it will bring joy to your taste buds. Enjoy baking and sharing these cookies with friends and family—they’ll love them just as much as I do!

Lemon Drop Cookies

The perfect treat for any occasion, Lemon Drop Cookies combine sweet and tangy flavors in each bite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies will satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to your face!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 cups Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter
• 1/4 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
• Juice of about 1 lemon

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Blender
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Preheating is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. You want the cookies to rise correctly and develop a lovely golden color.
2. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until combined and set aside. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. 3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Beat on medium until creamy and smooth. You want a fluffy consistency.
4. 4. In a small bowl, rub granulated sugar and lemon zest together. Add this mixture to the butter mixture and blend until smooth.
5. 5. Add the juice of ½ lemon to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
6. 6. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add in the dry ingredients. This gradual addition helps prevent flour from flying everywhere.
7. 7. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and mix until the flour mixture is fully combined. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
8. 8. Once chilled, roll the cookie dough into little balls, about a tablespoon of dough per cookie. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are very slightly browned. Let cool on cookie sheets.
10. 10. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
11. 11. Dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and let them sit until the glaze hardens.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape it into balls and freeze them.
• Variations: Experiment by adding white chocolate chips or nuts.
• Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delightful with tea or coffee.
• Glazing Tip: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.