Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
The Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe is my go-to treat when I want to brighten up the holiday cookie platter with something unexpectedly fresh and uplifting. These cookies are perfectly soft and tender, bursting with real lemon flavor that sparkles against the warm, cozy backdrop of classic holiday baking. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap or planning an afternoon of decorating with loved ones, these cookies strike that magical balance between nostalgic comfort and vibrant zing. I promise, with their cheerful citrusy aroma, they’ll be the first to disappear from your dessert tray!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Every single element plays its part to create soft, lemony perfection in this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe. I love how simple this list is, and each item is there for a special reason—together, they make these cookies truly irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture and lets the lemon flavor shine without overpowering saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and keep everything moist and fluffy.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Packs intense lemon flavor with aromatic oils—don’t skip it!
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens everything up with a tart pop that feels so festive.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a mellow sweetness, balancing the citrus.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the cookie, giving body to the dough.
- Baking powder: Gives a bit of lift for that lovely soft texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with lemon juice for extra leavening and a tender bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- Powdered sugar for rolling/dusting (optional): Coats the cookies for a snowy holiday look and an added touch of sweetness.
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar (optional): Give your cookies a cheery, Christmas-y finishing touch!
How to Make Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This easy prep work ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, plus cleanup is a breeze. Getting your trays ready before mixing means you can focus solely on creating a gorgeous dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter together with the granulated sugar. You’re aiming for a light, fluffy consistency, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step sets the foundation for those soft, luscious cookies, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. As you blend, savor the instant burst of citrusy aroma—it’s a sneak peek of the zing the Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe is famous for!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This even distribution is key for achieving cookies that are tender, uniformly risen, and flavorful in every bite.
Step 5: Bring Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing at this point can make the cookies tough, so fold everything together gently for perfect results. The dough should look light and a little sticky.
Step 6: Chill Dough for Easy Handling
Cover and chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This quick step makes the dough much easier to handle, and helps the cookies keep their lovely shape in the oven. If you’re in a festive mood, listen to your favorite holiday tunes while you wait!
Step 7: Shape, Roll, and Decorate
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls. If you like that crinkle-top, toss them in powdered sugar. Or, for full holiday spirit, roll them in colorful sprinkles or sugar. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges set but the centers still look a touch underbaked—this is the secret to irresistibly soft cookies! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Try to resist sneaking one while still warm (but I won’t judge if you do).
How to Serve Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of simple lemon glaze (just powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled cookies adds sparkle and an extra citrus punch. Or, go classic with a dusting of powdered sugar—think snowy magic, right on your dessert plate. Edible glitter or metallic sprinkles make them pop for special occasions like Christmas Eve!
Side Dishes
Serve Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe alongside mugs of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or even some lightly sweetened tea. For a pretty cookie platter, arrange them with other holiday favorites: gingerbread men, chocolate crinkles, or candy cane cookies. The bright lemon really stands out next to those warm spices and chocolates.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the cookies in a festive tin separated by wax paper for a lovely homemade gift. Or, skewer them on lollipop sticks and wrap with cellophane for stocking stuffers! If hosting, display them on a tiered cake stand with citrus slices and sprigs of fresh mint for a cheerful, elegant centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully soft for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to protect any glaze or decorations.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies. Place fully cooled cookies in a rigid container, layering with wax paper. Or, freeze unbaked dough balls and bake right from the freezer, just adding a minute or two to the bake time. This way, you’re never far from a fresh batch!
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes or give them a very quick zap in the microwave. This just-softened warmth makes the lemon aroma bloom amazingly!
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
For the best flavor in the Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe, fresh lemon juice is key. Bottled juice lacks the brightness and aromatic zing that comes from squeezing a real lemon. If you must use bottled, add a bit more zest to make up for it!
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough makes shaping much easier and helps your cookies bake up thick and soft rather than spreading too thin. It’s worth the extra 30 minutes!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies may be slightly more delicate, so handle with care when transferring from the baking sheet.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use a good-quality plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s the stick-type, not the spreadable tub kind, for the right texture in your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe.
How do I get the best lemon flavor?
Don’t skimp on the zest! Gently rub the sugar and zest together with your fingers before creaming with the butter; this releases aromatic oils and intensifies the lemon throughout the cookie.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe as much as my family and friends have. There’s just something magical about the burst of lemon paired with a soft, dreamy cookie crumb—perfect for the holidays or any time you want a little sunshine in your kitchen. Give them a try and let them brighten up your holiday season!
Print
Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a burst of citrus flavor. They are easy to make, stay soft for days, and can be decorated with powdered sugar or festive sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- powdered sugar for rolling or dusting
- festive sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Chill and shape: Chill dough for 30 minutes. Roll into balls, coat with powdered sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake: Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool before serving.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft for days and are perfect for gifting.
- You can add a simple lemon glaze for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
