There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Lemon Bar Butter Cookies wafting through the kitchen. Imagine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a zesty lemon kick, making your taste buds dance with joy. strawberry cheesecake dessert tacos You can almost hear the cookies whispering sweet nothings as they beckon you to take just one more bite. strawberry spinach salad For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe recipe.
These delightful little bites are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a cozy night in or hosting a lavish tea party. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll find yourself daydreaming about them at work, during boring meetings, or while waiting in line at the grocery store.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- Their bright flavor profile will brighten up any gloomy day
- With their sunny appearance and irresistible aroma, they are sure to impress anyone who sees (and smells) them
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant desserts at gatherings, these cookies fit right in anywhere
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my friends fought over the last one like it was the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. orange chocolate cupcakes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies that rich, tender texture we all crave.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is key for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness with zesty lemon.
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All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure while keeping the cookies light and crumbly.
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Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that elevates each cookie.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings acidity and brightness to enhance the cookie flavors.
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Baking Powder: A small amount helps these cookies rise and become delightfully airy.
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Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking to add that touch of elegance and sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. peach cobbler parfait.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later and set it aside.
Creaming Time!: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step takes about 3-5 minutes and will create a lovely creamy mixture.
Add the Zest!: Gently fold in freshly grated lemon zest along with fresh lemon juice into your butter-sugar mixture. The delightful citrus aroma should start filling your kitchen already!
Mix in Dry Ingredients!: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Scoop It Out!: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each scoop because these babies will spread out while baking.
Bake Away!: Pop those cookies into your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges just turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes burnt cookies!
Finishing Touch!: Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving—trust me; it’s worth it!
And there you have it! These zesty Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are ready to bring sunshine into your life. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
You Must Know
- These Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are irresistibly tangy and buttery
- Their zesty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a delightful treat for any occasion
- The bright lemon aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising happiness in every bite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar, then mix in the lemon zest and juice. Add the dry ingredients gradually to ensure a smooth dough without overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add poppy seeds for extra texture or swap lemon with lime for a tropical twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for a sweet contrast!
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For refreshing them, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to regain that soft texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always zest your lemons first before juicing; it prevents messiness
- Chilling the dough makes rolling easier and enhances flavor
- Keep an eye on baking time to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness
Sharing these Lemon Bar Butter Cookies with friends was a hit at my last gathering! Their smiles when biting into the buttery goodness made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Using fresh lemon juice enhances flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly, they can last up to one week at room temperature.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just ensure they are well-wrapped to maintain freshness.
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavor of Lemon Bar Butter Cookies, where a buttery texture meets a refreshing citrus zest. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights to elegant gatherings. With their irresistible aroma and sunny appearance, they promise to brighten your day with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Fold in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: - For added texture, consider mixing in poppy seeds or swapping lemon for lime for a tropical variation. - To enhance flavor, chill the dough before baking.