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Lemon Tree Cookies That Brighten Every Holiday Table

Name: Lemon Tree Cookies That Brighten Every Holiday Table
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3–4 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Yellow gel food coloring; White icing for drizzling (optional); Coarse sugar for decoration (optional)

There’s something undeniably cheerful about a simple cookie that can elevate your holiday gatherings. Lemon Tree Cookies, with their zesty flavor and delightful shape, are more than just a tasty treat — they evoke the sunshine of summer amidst the chill of winter. These little confections are not only a joy to taste but also a vision to behold, spreading holiday cheer with their vibrant color and festive charm. Dive into this delicious recipe and discover why Lemon Tree Cookies deserve a special spot on your holiday dessert table.

Why Make This Recipe

The refreshing lemon flavor provides a delightful contrast to the traditional heavy holiday sweets.
Their charming tree shape makes them a fun addition to cookie platters, appealing to both kids and adults.
These cookies are simple to make, ensuring you can whip up a batch even amid the holiday rush.

The allure of Lemon Tree Cookies is that they offer a burst of brightness that can uplift any dessert spread. Perfect for sharing or gifting, these cookies bring smiles not just from their taste but also from their whimsical presentation.

How to Make Lemon Tree Cookies

Making Lemon Tree Cookies at home is an enjoyable process that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own batch of these festive treats.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Lemon Tree Cookies:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Yellow gel food coloring
White icing for drizzling (optional)
Coarse sugar for decoration (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it helps incorporate air, which gives your cookies a lovely texture.

Once fluffy, add in the egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the tablespoon of lemon zest, and the tablespoon of lemon juice. Beat until well combined, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. It may feel a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling the dough is essential because it allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to roll out.

Step 5: Roll and Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). After the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft and tender. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3–4 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until smooth. If you’d like to add color, incorporate some yellow gel food coloring until you achieve the desired hue.

Step 8: Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, ice them with the lemon-flavored icing. For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle white icing on top and sprinkle coarse sugar for that sparkling holiday effect.

Storing Leftover Lemon Tree Cookies

To ensure your Lemon Tree Cookies remain fresh and delicious:

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3–4 days.
For longer preservation, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled and wrapped well in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe bag.
If desired, layer parchment paper between the cookies in the container to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Tree Cookies

Lemon Tree Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some delightful serving ideas:

Gift Them: Package them in decorative tins or bags to share with friends and family. A batch of these cookies makes a great gift for neighbors or as a holiday party favor.
Cookie Platters: Include them in your holiday cookie platters alongside other flavors, such as gingerbread or chocolate chip, creating a colorful display that caters to all tastes.
Tea Time Delight: Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. The lemon flavor pairs beautifully with herbal teas or a light-bodied white tea.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, try making ice cream sandwiches. Place a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a refreshing dessert.

Tips to Make Lemon Tree Cookies

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest vastly improve the flavor of these cookies. Try to use organic lemons if possible for the best taste.
Don’t Rush the Chilling: Allowing the dough to chill longer than one hour can actually improve the texture, making the cookies a little thicker and hold their shape better.
Experiment with Flavors: Add a bit of poppy seeds to the dough for a unique twist, or consider using lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a flavorful variation.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to experiment with your Lemon Tree Cookies, consider these variations:

Herbal Twist: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender or rosemary to the dough for a uniquely aromatic cookie. The herbs pair beautifully with lemon, creating a delightful contrast.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to cater to dietary restrictions. These still deliver the same lovely taste and texture people love.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Lemon Tree Cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Simply roll out and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q: What’s the best way to transport these cookies?
A: Place the cookies in a single layer in a sturdy container. If stacking is necessary, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Q: How can I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding red and green sprinkles on top of the icing for a holiday look.
Swap out the lemon icing for a flavored icing like raspberry or cherry for a vibrant variation.

Q: Why is chilling the dough necessary?
A: Chilling helps the fat in the dough solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps them maintain their festive shape.

The joy of baking is enhanced by the history and tradition that cookies often bring to our holiday gatherings. Lemon Tree Cookies effortlessly blend whimsy with flavor, making them a must-have for any holiday table. Serving these bright, cheerful delights is sure to create happy memories and remind everyone that the holidays are a time for sharing joy, love, and, of course, delicious cookies. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and start baking these Lemon Tree Cookies that will surely brighten your holiday season!