When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. But when life hands you lemons and a craving for something sweet, it’s time to whip up some Lemon Bar Butter Cookies. These delightful treats are like sunshine on a plate, offering a tangy burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into a buttery cookie that crumbles just right, releasing the zesty aroma of fresh lemons while warming your heart with every bite.
Gather your friends and family for a baking adventure filled with laughter and deliciousness. These cookies are perfect for spring picnics or cozy evenings at home. delicious strawberry cheesecake tacos I promise you’ll want these Lemon Bar Butter Cookies in your life, especially when the craving strikes! perfect brunch mini quiches. glazed strawberry crunch donuts. For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers
- Their bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat
- Each cookie is visually appealing, with a lovely glaze that will impress anyone who sees them
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they can be enjoyed as dessert or a snack anytime
Baking these cookies always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of citrus would envelop us like a warm hug. Whenever I pulled out these cookies at family gatherings, the smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it adds richness to the cookies.
-
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the lemon perfectly. tart strawberry rhubarb pie.
-
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these cookies—make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps.
-
Fresh Lemons: Opt for juicy lemons with bright yellow skin for maximum flavor.
-
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for creating that lovely glaze on top of your cookies.
-
Egg Yolk: Adds moisture and richness—don’t skip this!
-
Baking Powder: A must-have ingredient to ensure those cookies rise beautifully.
-
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to catch any drips from those juicy cookies.
Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick!
Add Egg Yolk and Lemon Juice: Mix in one egg yolk and freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully combined. The batter should smell heavenly; if not, add more lemon juice!
Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough cookies!
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a bit as they bake.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. You know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven!
After letting them cool slightly on the baking sheets (if you can resist), transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before adding that delightful glaze.
Enjoy every crumb of these Lemon Bar Butter Cookies—they’re sure to brighten any day!
You Must Know
- Lemon Bar Butter Cookies bring a delightful twist to classic cookies, combining zesty lemon flavor with buttery richness
- Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible, and they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheet. Cream the butter and sugar first for fluffy texture, then mix in the dry ingredients before adding lemon zest and juice last.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon for other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different flavor profile. You can also add white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Lemon Bar Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best results, enjoy them fresh but you can gently reheat in the oven at 300°F for about five minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming; it helps achieve that wonderful light texture
- Don’t overmix once you add flour; it can make cookies tough
- Lastly, let cookies cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their soft, buttery goodness
Baking these cookies always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet scents. She taught me how a touch of love could elevate any recipe, especially these buttery delights.
FAQ
Can I use other citrus fruits in Lemon Bar Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! Lime and orange provide delicious alternatives for a refreshing twist.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
These cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week.
What’s the best way to serve Lemon Bar Butter Cookies?
Serve them chilled or at room temperature with tea or coffee for delightful pairing.
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are a delightful fusion of tangy lemon flavor and buttery richness. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed at a spring picnic or during cozy evenings at home. With a bright citrus aroma and a lovely glaze, they promise to brighten up your day with every bite. Easy to prepare, these cookies make for a fun baking adventure with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 large fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg yolk and freshly squeezed lemon juice; mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile. Enhance texture by adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week; reheat gently in the oven if desired.
