Prepare to fall in love with these Lemon Butter Cookies! Bursting with a vibrant, zesty flavor and an irresistibly soft, chewy texture, these cookies are pure delight. They have a magical way of disappearing quickly, so you might want to consider baking a double batch to ensure everyone gets their fair share – and maybe even a few extra for yourself!
Discovering the Magic of Lemon Butter Cookies: Our Culinary Journey
A few months ago, my culinary horizons expanded during an incredible half-day cooking class at the renowned Erna Elderberry House, nestled in the charming town of Oakhurst, California. This delightful experience was part of our year-long collaboration with Yosemite Madera County, and you can only imagine my excitement when we learned we’d be diving into a “Sweet Treats Hors d’Oeuvres” class. My mind immediately raced with visions of all the decadent and delicious creations we would learn to make. To say I was thrilled would be a massive understatement – it was truly a dream come true for any baking enthusiast!
As someone who spends countless hours baking and cooking for the blog, I’m entirely self-taught. This makes the opportunity to attend professional cooking classes incredibly valuable. It’s my favorite way to absorb new tips, innovative tricks, and refine my techniques in the kitchen. Learning from seasoned chefs provides insights that you simply can’t get from cookbooks alone. This particular class, focused on sweet treats, offered exactly that – a chance to elevate my baking game and bring fresh ideas back to share with all of you.
Our instructor for the morning was the incredibly talented Pastry Chef Dylan Mellela. Chef Dylan didn’t just teach us recipes; he shared invaluable wisdom on the underlying principles of baking, making the process of creating delicious desserts approachable and enjoyable. He provided fantastic tips for perfecting everything from the mixing process to the final presentation. I’m so eager to share all the wonderful recipes we mastered, including delightful Thumbprint Cookies and savory Cinnamon Apple Tarts. Each recipe was a testament to his expertise and passion for pastry, and the Lemon Butter Cookies, in particular, left a lasting impression. You’ll be amazed at how simple yet sophisticated they are to create!
The Elderberry House itself is part of the grand Estate by the Elderberries, which also houses the magnificent Chateau du Sureau. This five-star luxury lodging near Yosemite National Park offers an unparalleled experience, blending elegance with the natural beauty of the region. It’s a truly inspiring setting for any culinary adventure.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Lemon Butter Cookies
These Lemon Butter Cookies might sound sophisticated, but their preparation is surprisingly straightforward. Despite being a made-from-scratch recipe, it’s incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. What makes them truly special is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a delightful buttery richness that melts in your mouth. The fresh lemon zest and juice infuse every bite with a bright, uplifting flavor that is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing treat for a summer gathering, a cozy indulgence for a chilly afternoon, or a beautiful addition to a holiday cookie platter, these lemon butter cookies fit the bill perfectly. Their soft, tender texture and a delicate coating of powdered sugar make them not just delicious, but also visually appealing. They are truly a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Butter Cookies
Crafting these delectable lemon butter cookies requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Paying attention to the details, like using room temperature butter, makes a significant difference in the final texture and flavor of your cookies.
- Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming with the cream cheese and sugar. This creates a light, airy base for your cookies.
- Cream Cheese: Also at room temperature, it adds a wonderful tang and contributes to the cookies’ signature soft and chewy texture.
- Lemons (2-3): You’ll need both the zest and the juice. Fresh lemons are key for that bright, authentic lemon flavor. Consider investing in a good zester and a lemon juicer – they truly make life in the kitchen a lot easier when dealing with citrus!
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar provides the perfect sweetness and helps create a crisp edge while keeping the inside tender.
- Eggs: Large eggs, at room temperature, bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla complements the lemon beautifully, adding depth to the flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that gives the cookies their structure.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cookies rise just enough to be wonderfully soft.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for coating the cookies before baking, giving them their characteristic crinkled appearance and an extra hint of sweetness.
Recommended Equipment for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. While you don’t need a professional kitchen, a few key pieces of equipment will ensure your lemon butter cookies turn out perfectly every time.
An Electric Mixer is highly recommended for achieving that light and fluffy texture when creaming butter, cream cheese, and sugar. I personally love my KitchenAid stand mixer for its power and reliability, but a good hand mixer will work just as well.
A Large Mixing Bowl is crucial for combining all your ingredients without making a mess. We are big fans of glass batter bowls, especially those with a handle, as they make mixing ingredients easier and keep the bowl steady on the counter. This stability allows for more efficient and thorough mixing.
- Cookie Sheets: Essential for baking your cookies evenly.
- Cookie Rack: To cool your cookies completely, preventing them from becoming soggy and ensuring a perfect texture.
- Lemon Juicer: For extracting maximum juice efficiently.
- Lemon Zester: To get the fine, fragrant zest without any bitter pith.
- Parchment Paper: A baking essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
Mastering the Art of Lemon Butter Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfect lemon butter cookies that will impress everyone.
Easy Lemon Butter Cookies
Easy Lemon Butter Cookies made from scratch. The perfect lemon flavor in every bite!
Rated 4.50 out of 5 stars from 2 votes. Print Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes |
Cook Time: 7 minutes |
Refrigeration: 1 hour |
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes |
Servings: 36 cookies |
Calories: 81 kcal |
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 10 tbs Butter Room temperature
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 Lemon Zest From 2 Lemons
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice
- 1.25 Cup White Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2.25 All Purpose Flour
- 1.25 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- .75 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Confectioners Powdered Sugar As needed for rolling
Instructions
- Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, Lemon Zest, and Sugar together in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a tender cookie.
- Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix for about 1 minute until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly for 2 minutes after each addition. Be sure to mix until the egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sift these dry ingredients together to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution. Gradually add all the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix on a slow speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough overnight for best results, or for a minimum of 1 hour. Chilling helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll the dough into even, small balls. Then, generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This creates the beautiful crackled finish.
- Place the sugared dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are about 1.5 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake for 7 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. The cookies should still be soft in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking will make them dry.
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Electric Mixer (Stand mixer or Hand mixer)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Lemon Zester
- Lemon Juicer
- Wire Cooling Rack
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 54
Tips for Baking the Best Lemon Butter Cookies
Achieving the perfect lemon butter cookie is all about a few key details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your cookies are absolutely divine:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are a Must: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly with the sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base. Cold ingredients will result in a dense, inconsistent dough.
- Don’t Skimp on the Zest: Lemon zest holds most of the lemon’s essential oils and flavor. Use fresh lemons and zest only the bright yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith. This will give your cookies that intense, aromatic lemon punch.
- Chill Your Dough: This step is non-negotiable for a reason! Chilling the dough overnight (or at least for one hour) allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in a more complex and delicious cookie.
- Evenly Sized Balls: For consistent baking, try to make your dough balls uniform in size. A small cookie scoop can be a great tool for this, ensuring every cookie bakes evenly and looks perfect.
- Generously Roll in Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar coating is what gives these cookies their beautiful crinkled, slightly crisp exterior. Don’t be shy with it! A thick coating ensures a lovely contrast in texture and a burst of extra sweetness.
- Watch for Doneness: Lemon butter cookies are best when they are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden. The centers should still be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your irresistible Lemon Butter Cookies have cooled completely, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness and delightful texture. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
These versatile cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat, or serve them alongside a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combination. They also make a fantastic dessert addition to brunch spreads, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet finish to any meal. Their vibrant flavor profile means they shine on their own, but a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving can add an extra touch of elegance.
Delicious Lemon-Inspired Recipes to Explore
If you’re anything like me, you adore the bright, zesty flavor of lemons and find yourself with a surplus of them – especially if you’re lucky enough to have a lemon tree! I’m always a little jealous when friends tell me about their homegrown lemons; I usually end up buying those huge Costco bags. But having plenty of lemons means endless possibilities in the kitchen. Here are some fantastic lemon recipes that are sure to brighten your day:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: A classic, moist quick bread bursting with lemon flavor and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds.
- Lemon Dill Chicken: A savory and aromatic main dish that’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker.
- Lemon Butter Recipe: A versatile spread that can elevate toast, pancakes, or even fish dishes.
- Crockpot Lemonade Moonshine: A unique adult beverage perfect for parties and gatherings (for those 21+).
- Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake: Indulge in a copycat version of this popular restaurant dessert, featuring layers of light lemon cake and creamy frosting.
- Lemon Blueberry Cake: A delightful combination of sweet blueberries and tart lemon in a beautiful cake.
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken: A flavorful and convenient one-sheet-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lemon Butter Cookies
We’ve gathered some common questions about these delicious lemon butter cookies to help you bake them with confidence.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest are highly recommended. Fresh lemons provide a brighter, more authentic, and more intense lemon flavor that truly elevates these cookies. The zest, in particular, carries much of the lemon’s aromatic oils, which are crucial for the cookies’ signature taste.
Q: How do I know if my butter and cream cheese are at room temperature?
A: Room temperature butter should be soft enough to indent with your finger without melting. It shouldn’t be greasy or shiny. Cream cheese should also be soft and pliable. If they are too cold, they won’t cream properly, and if they are too warm, the dough can become oily and difficult to work with.
Q: My cookies spread too much during baking. What went wrong?
A: The most common reason for cookies spreading too much is insufficient chilling time for the dough, or using butter that was too warm. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at the correct room temperature and always chill the dough for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, before baking. Also, double-check your oven temperature; an oven that isn’t hot enough can cause spreading.
Q: Can I add a lemon glaze to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! While delicious on their own, a simple lemon glaze can add an extra layer of lemon flavor and a beautiful finish. To make a glaze, whisk together about 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes, this dough is excellent for making ahead! You can store the unbaked dough, tightly wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the dough (either in a log or pre-rolled balls) for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking as usual.
Looking for more amazing recipes? Be sure to check out our 60+ Cream Cheese Recipes, and dive into even more lemon dessert recipes. We also have a fantastic collection of easy cookie recipes for every craving!
Don’t miss our extensive categories of copycat recipes, tempting dessert recipes, and convenient CrockPot Recipes.
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