Imagine biting into a delightful Lemon Bar Butter Cookie, where the buttery richness meets zesty citrus in perfect harmony. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, dancing with hints of sweetness and tang that instantly brighten your mood.
As you sink your teeth into these cookies, the soft texture melts away, revealing bursts of lemony goodness that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, these cookies are the perfect companion for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are easy to whip up, making them ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros
- Their bright flavor profile will delight everyone who tries them
- Visually appealing with their sunny color, they add a cheerful touch to any dessert table
- Perfect for sharing at parties or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea
I once made these cookies for a family gathering, and my cousin claimed he would propose to someone just to get another cookie!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming and a perfect texture.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest provides vibrant flavor and aroma—don’t skimp on this! strawberry crunch donuts. fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches.
Lemon Juice: Fresh juice is key; it gives your cookies that zesty kick we all crave.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie dough; sifted for lightness.
Baking Powder: A small amount helps the cookies rise and become wonderfully tender. For more inspiration, check out this sweet conversation heart cookies recipe.
Powdered Sugar: For that sweet dusting on top that makes everything look fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. raspberry swirl brownies.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and golden edges on your cookies.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Aim for about 3-5 minutes; this step is crucial!
Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Mix in freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice into the butter-sugar mixture. This infuses your dough with vibrancy and tanginess—trust me, it’s worth it!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until combined but be careful not to overmix—let’s keep those cookies tender!
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave space between them because they will spread out as they bake.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. You want them soft in the center!
Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Let your cookies cool on wire racks before dusting generously with powdered sugar. This final touch elevates them from delicious to truly divine!
Now you have delightful Lemon Bar Butter Cookies ready to enjoy! Feel free to share them with friends or savor every last crumb yourself—they’re that good! For more inspiration, check out this white chocolate raspberry cake recipe.
You Must Know
- Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zestiness of lemons with a buttery texture
- These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a cozy night in or throwing a big party
- Their vibrant flavor will brighten anyone’s day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming your butter and sugar before adding eggs and lemon zest. This ensures a fluffy texture. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients for even consistency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange for unique flavors. zesty orange chocolate cupcakes You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them warm again, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor possible!
It’s always heartwarming when friends rave about these cookies after dinner parties; I once had someone ask if I’d opened a bakery!
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Using margarine may affect the texture and flavor of Lemon Bar Butter Cookies.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour works well in this recipe.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are a delightful fusion of buttery richness and zesty lemon, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft texture that melts in your mouth and bright citrus flavor, these cookies will elevate your dessert table. Easy to make, they are ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Enjoy them at gatherings or savor them during a quiet afternoon with tea.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Mix in freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; centers should remain soft.
- Let cool on wire racks before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a unique twist, try adding lime or orange zest instead of lemon. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor profile beautifully. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.