Easter Lemon Cookie Recipe: A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite

These bright and cheerful Easter lemon cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate spring. With a tangy lemon glaze and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become a new Easter favorite. This Easter Lemon Cookie Recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and the results are simply divine.

Zesty Lemon Flavor Meets Delicate Sweetness

What makes these Easter lemon cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of zesty lemon and delicate sweetness. The vibrant citrus flavor cuts through the richness of the cookie, creating a delightful harmony that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. They are a delightful addition to any Easter basket or a perfect accompaniment to your Easter brunch.

Ingredients for Easter Lemon Cookies

A Simple Easter Lemon Cookie Recipe for Every Baker

This Easter lemon cookie recipe is incredibly simple, making it a great choice for bakers of all levels. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love are all you need to create these sunshine-filled treats. The dough comes together quickly and easily, and the baking time is short, meaning you can enjoy these delicious cookies in no time.

• Cream together: 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add: 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the zest of 2 lemons.
• Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
• Gradually add: The dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

The Secret to the Perfect Lemon Glaze

The tangy lemon glaze is what truly elevates these Easter lemon cookies. It adds another layer of lemon flavor and creates a beautiful, glossy finish. “A good glaze can transform a simple cookie into something truly special,” says renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois. “The key is to find the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.” This glaze is incredibly easy to make and requires only three ingredients: powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of milk.

• Whisk together: 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice.
• Adjust consistency: Add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the cookies but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread.

Glazing Easter Lemon Cookies

Tips for Easter Lemon Cookie Success

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The zest and juice of fresh lemons will give your cookies a much brighter and more vibrant flavor than bottled lemon juice.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
• Chill the dough. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you’re short on time, you can even freeze the dough for about 15 minutes. Similar to our Easter cake recipe, chilling is crucial for maintaining shape and texture.
• Let the cookies cool completely before glazing. If you glaze the cookies while they are still warm, the glaze will melt and run off.

Making Your Easter Extra Special

These Easter lemon cookies are a wonderful way to add a touch of sunshine to your Easter celebrations. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for packing in Easter baskets. You can even decorate them with sprinkles or colored sugar for an extra festive touch. “Baking is a wonderful way to express your creativity and share joy with others,” says Amelia Dubois. “These Easter lemon cookies are a perfect example of that.”

Finished Easter Lemon Cookies

Conclusion

This Easter lemon cookie recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy Easter treat. With its bright lemon flavor and delicate sweetness, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of sunshine!

FAQ

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
2. How long do these cookies last? Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
4. Can I add other flavors to the glaze? Certainly! Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract to the glaze for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
6. What can I use instead of sprinkles? You can decorate these cookies with colored sugar, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
7. Can I bake these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving.