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Irresistible Lemon Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

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Irresistible Lemon Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

These soft, zesty lemon cookies with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating create a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies

  1. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
  2. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  3. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should remain slightly soft.
  2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
  • To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
  • If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies

FAQs for Irresistible Lemon Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Use only a pinch or about 1/8 teaspoon.

2. Can I substitute lemon juice with bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. The cookies may have a slightly less vibrant lemon taste.

See also  Lemon Scones

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling and coating for easier handling.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

5. How do I store baked cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For extended storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

6. Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Yes! You can experiment by adding:

  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for a subtle sweetness.
  • Cardamom or nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) for a spiced twist.
  • White chocolate chips (1/2 cup) for extra indulgence.

7. My cookies turned out too flat. What went wrong?
Flat cookies may result from:

  • Over-softened butter or warm dough. Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if it feels too soft.
  • Insufficient flour. Make sure to measure the flour correctly by scooping and leveling it.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

9. What other coatings can I try instead of cinnamon sugar?
For variety, try these coatings:

  • Powdered sugar for a softer finish.
  • Lemon sugar (combine sugar with extra lemon zest) for an extra zesty kick.
  • Turbinado sugar for a crunchy texture.

10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Be sure to mix the dough evenly and bake in batches if needed.

Enjoy your baking adventure!

Enjoy these Irresistible Lemon Sugar Cinnamon Cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or just as a sweet treat for your day!

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