Description
Zesty lemon gooey butter cookies promise pure sunshine on your plate, delivering irresistible tangy sweetness with each delightful bite. Creamy texture and bright citrus notes will transport dessert lovers straight to flavor paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cookie removal.
- Cream softened butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, uniform texture.
- Gently fold in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, distributing the citrus essence evenly throughout the dough.
- Sift flour and salt together, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a cohesive cookie dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and make the mixture easier to handle.
- Roll chilled dough into small, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Generously coat each dough ball with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like exterior.
- Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow proper spreading during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly crackled surface indicating perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar while still warm for an extra touch of sweetness and elegant presentation.
Notes
- Boost lemon flavor by using freshly zested and squeezed lemons for maximum citrus intensity and bright, vibrant taste.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve smooth, creamy texture without overmixing the dough.
- Chill dough completely to prevent excessive spreading and maintain precise cookie shape during baking.
- Customize by adding alternative citrus zests like orange or lime for unique flavor variations that complement the original recipe.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg