Lemon Slice-and-Bake Cookies 🍋🍪

There’s nothing quite like the tangy zest of lemon in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These Lemon Slice-and-Bake Cookies are the perfect treat to have on hand for any occasion. With a delightful combination of fresh lemon juice and zest, these cookies bring a bright burst of citrus flavor to your day. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making them a go-to recipe for those busy days when you still want something homemade.

Ingredients:

• 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 130 g (½ cup and 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes
• 105 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 30 g (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
• 18 g (2 tablespoons packed or ¼ cup) lemon zest
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

Step 1: Infuse the Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and sugar. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix and rub them together until the sugar becomes fragrant with the lemon’s natural oils. 🍋🍚

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add the butter to the lemon sugar mixture. Cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy, using a hand-held mixer or the paddle attachment if you’re using a stand mixer. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. 🧈🎛️

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Mix in the egg until it is fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture. 🥚

Step 4: Add the Lemon Juice

Pour in the lemon juice and continue mixing until the liquid is fully incorporated. 🍋

Step 5: Combine with Flour

On a low speed, gradually add the flour to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender. 🌾

Step 6: Shape and Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion on a piece of plastic wrap. Shape the dough into logs approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Wrap them tightly and place them in the freezer for 40 minutes, or refrigerate for 4-5 hours, until firm. ❄️

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and set it aside. 🔥

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Remove the dough logs from the freezer. Slice them into ⅕ inch (5 mm) thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until they just begin to change color. Turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside for an additional 5-6 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 🍪🌟

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cooking Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Calories: 150 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 24 cookies

These Lemon Slice-and-Bake Cookies are a wonderful balance of tangy and sweet, with a crisp edge and a soft, chewy center. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, holiday cookie swaps, or just as a simple yet elegant treat anytime. Enjoy!

Print