Lemon Snowflake Cookies
Lemon Snowflake Cookies are delicate, citrus-infused treats that combine the refreshing tang of lemon with a light, buttery texture. Perfect for festive gatherings or everyday snacking, these snowflake-shaped cookies deliver a bright, zesty flavor and a tender crumb, making them a delightful addition to any dessert tray.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Bring the butter to room temperature for easy creaming. Zest and juice fresh lemons so they are ready. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step creates a tender, buttery base for the cookies.
- Add Lemon and Egg: Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until just combined. This adds the signature bright lemon flavor and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour and baking powder together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until the dough comes together to avoid tough cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut the dough and place the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar to mimic delicate snowflakes and add a festive touch.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest, most authentic citrus flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- If dough is too soft to roll, chill for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
- Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking and clean edges.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon snowflake cookies, citrus cookies, holiday cookies, gluten-free lemon cookies, festive desserts