Zesty Lemon Christmas Cookies with Bright Glaze

Brighten your holiday season with these delightful lemon Christmas cookies! They feature a wonderfully soft, tender texture with a vibrant, zesty lemon flavor. Topped with a sunny lemon glaze, these festive treats are perfect for adding a refreshing burst of citrus to any holiday cookie platter. Get ready to bake a batch of simple, impressive Christmas joy!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Christmas Cookies

• Refreshing Citrus Twist: Break away from traditional holiday spices with a bright, zesty lemon flavor that truly stands out.
• Delightful Soft Texture: Each bite offers a wonderfully tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, thanks to a special ingredient.
• Easy to Decorate: A simple lemon glaze and festive sprinkles make these lemon Christmas cookies beautiful and fun for all skill levels.
• Straightforward & Fun: This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, guiding you through each step for a stress-free baking experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cheerful cookies make excellent gifts or additions to any holiday gathering, spreading cheer with every bite.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of delicious lemon Christmas cookies and their glossy glaze.

For the Cookies:

• 113 g unsalted butter: Cool, but slightly soft (1/2 cup)
• 150 g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookie dough
• Zest of 1 Lemon: For intense citrus flavor
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure, for depth of flavor
• 1/2 TBS whole milk: Helps achieve the perfect dough consistency
• 270 g all-purpose flour: The main structural component
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch: Contributes to a wonderfully tender cookie texture
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors

Research on baking techniques suggests that adding cornstarch to cookie dough can result in a softer, more tender crumb.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 120 g powdered sugar: Forms the base of the smooth glaze
• 1 TBS whole milk: Adjusts the glaze’s thickness
• 1-2 TBS fresh lemon juice: Adds essential tangy flavor
• 1 TBS light corn syrup: (Optional) Creates a beautiful, glossy finish

Notes & Substitutions

Ensure your unsalted butter is cool but slightly soft; this temperature prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. The cornstarch is a key ingredient that significantly contributes to the cookies’ incredibly soft and tender texture. If you don’t have whole milk, feel free to substitute with any milk alternative or even water in a pinch. Light corn syrup is completely optional for the glaze, but it truly makes the glaze extra shiny and professional-looking. Always use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant and authentic lemon flavor.

Equipment

You’ll need a few standard kitchen tools to make these delightful lemon Christmas cookies:

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer.
• Two large mixing bowls.
• Fine zester and citrus juicer.
• Rolling pin, ideally with thickness guides.
• Your favorite Christmas cookie cutters.
• Parchment paper for baking and rolling.
• Two large baking sheets.
• Wire cooling rack.

Instructions

Let’s bake some unforgettable lemon Christmas cookies! Follow these steps closely for perfect results.

Making the Lemon Cookies

1. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer, cream together the cool, slightly soft butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Egg & Liquids: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the whole milk until just combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
4. Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Roll the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Place each half between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
6. Chill Dough: Transfer the rolled dough sheets (still between parchment) onto a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This helps prevent spreading.
7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with fresh parchment paper.
8. Cut Cookies: Remove one chilled dough sheet from the refrigerator. Using your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, cut out festive shapes. Carefully transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Re-roll scraps gently if needed.
9. Chill Cut Cookies: Place the baking sheets with cut cookies back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This quick chill helps maintain their shape during baking.
10. Bake Cookies: Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake to ensure a soft texture.
11. Cool Completely: Let the baked lemon Christmas cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. They must be fully cool before glazing.

Making the Lemon Glaze

1. Whisk Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice until smooth.
2. Add Shine (Optional): Stir in the light corn syrup, if using, for an extra glossy finish.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drip slowly.
4. Glaze Cookies: Dip the tops of the completely cooled cookies into the lemon glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over them.
5. Decorate: Immediately decorate with your favorite festive sprinkles or sanding sugar before the glaze sets. Allow the glaze to set completely on a wire rack before stacking.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve bakery-worthy results with these simple tricks for your lemon Christmas cookies.

Perfect Soft Texture

• Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar measurements to ensure accuracy.
• Do Not Overmix: Once flour is added, mix only until just combined to prevent gluten development and tough cookies.
• Proper Butter Temperature: Your butter should be cool to the touch but yield slightly when pressed; too soft causes spreading.
• Chill Dough: This step is crucial! Chilling firms the butter, preventing cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
• Avoid Overbaking: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are lightly golden, even if the centers seem slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Shiny Glaze Secret

• Light Corn Syrup for Gloss: A small amount of light corn syrup truly adds a beautiful, professional-looking shine to your glaze.
• Smooth Consistency: Aim for a glaze that is smooth and pourable, not too thick or too thin, to ensure even coating.
• Apply to Cool Cookies: Always wait until your cookies are completely cooled before glazing; otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Chilling Dough Enough: Insufficient chilling is the primary culprit for cookies that spread too much in the oven.
• Overworking the Flour: Mixing the dough too vigorously after adding flour develops gluten, resulting in tougher, less tender cookies.
• Baking Cookies Too Long: Overbaking dries out the cookies, making them hard instead of soft and chewy.
• Stacking Before Glaze Sets: Always ensure the glaze is completely dry and set before stacking glazed cookies to prevent sticking and smudging.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These delightful lemon Christmas cookies are versatile for any holiday occasion.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Cookie Trays: Arrange these bright citrus cookies alongside other festive treats for a vibrant display.
• Coffee or Tea Time: Serve them as a refreshing accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Gift Giving: Package them in decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift that friends and family will adore.

Storage Instructions

• Airtight at Room Temperature: Store glazed lemon Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
• Unstacked Until Dry: Keep glazed cookies in a single layer until the glaze is completely set, then you can gently stack them with parchment paper in between.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked, unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Freezing Raw Dough: You can freeze the rolled and cut raw dough shapes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Variations

• Different Citrus Zests: Experiment with orange, lime, or even grapefruit zest for unique citrus cookie flavors.
• Various Cookie Cutters: Beyond traditional shapes, try snowflakes, stars, or even whimsical reindeer for extra fun.
• Candied Fruit or Herbs: Fold in finely chopped candied ginger or a hint of fresh rosemary into the dough for an unexpected twist.
• Colored Glazes: Use gel food coloring to tint your glaze festive shades of red, green, or blue.
• Chopped Nuts or Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or finely chopped pistachios to the dough for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition

These lemon Christmas cookies offer a delightful treat that fits perfectly into your holiday celebrations. Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and assumes a specific serving size and preparation. Actual values may vary depending on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional value per serving (1 cookie), calculated for a total yield of 24 cookies.

FAQ

You’ve got questions about these delicious lemon Christmas cookies, and we’ve got answers!

• Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before rolling and cutting.
• How many cookies does this recipe yield? This recipe typically yields about 24 festive lemon Christmas cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
• Are these lemon cookies freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Both the unbaked dough and baked, unglazed cookies freeze well for future enjoyment.
• Can I make thinner, crispier cookies? For crispier cookies, roll the dough slightly thinner (about 1/8 inch) and bake for an extra minute or two, watching carefully.
• What other shapes can I cut? Feel free to use any cookie cutters you desire, from simple rounds to intricate holiday designs like stars or gingerbread men.

Conclusion

These zesty lemon Christmas cookies are a delightful way to add a burst of sunshine and fresh flavor to your holiday baking. Their soft texture and bright glaze make them an instant favorite, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. We hope you enjoy baking these simple, cheerful treats. Share your beautiful creations with us – happy baking!