Christmas gatherings are the perfect occasion for delightful treats, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies? Bursting with a bright lemon flavor and festively shaped like Christmas trees, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. Their soft texture and sugary dusting will have everyone reaching for more. Let’s dive into this simply joyous recipe!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
Why Make This Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies
These Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies stand out not only for their festive shape but also for their refreshing flavor. The sweet and tangy notes of lemon make them a delightful alternative to traditional sugar cookies. They are easy to make, perfect for baking with children, and an ideal addition to cookie trays or gifts for friends and family during the holidays. The vibrant lemon scent wafting through your kitchen will warm your heart and fill your home with holiday spirit.
How to Make Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This will be your dry mixture. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Adding Ingredients
Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. After that, stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You should have a lovely, creamy mixture that’s bursting with lemony goodness.
Step 4: Combining and Shaping
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between them as they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 5: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Finishing
Once cooled completely, dust the cookies with powdered sugar to give them a beautifully festive touch.
How to Serve Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate the presentation by serving them on a decorative platter with sprigs of holly or festive ribbons. They also pair well with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, making them perfect for cozy holiday gatherings.
How to Store Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Chilling the Dough: For easier handling, you can chill the rolled-out dough for about 30 minutes before cutting the shapes.
- Decorating: Get creative with icing or sprinkles for added festive flair.
- Substitutions: If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be a good substitute, but fresh zest adds more flavor.
- Batch Baking: Feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings!
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Lemon Cookies: Mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for added sweetness.
- Spicy Lemon Cookies: Add a dash of ginger or cinnamon for a warm spice touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just omit the ½ teaspoon of salt in the recipe if you choose to use salted butter.
How can I make the cookies more lemony?
You can increase the lemon juice and zest to 3 tablespoons each for a stronger flavor.
Can I use a different shape for the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter you like or even cut them into squares for a quick option.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough sticks to your surface, add a little more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and they should work well.
Conclusion
Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies bring a delightful burst of flavor and joy to your festive celebrations. Their vibrant lemon taste combined with a charming appearance makes them a hit among family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are sure to brighten up your holiday season. So, gather your loved ones and start baking this scrumptious recipe today! Enjoy the holiday spirit and the delightful flavors of lemony goodness!
Print
Christmas Lemon Tree Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festively shaped cookies bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut out tree shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, feel free to decorate with icing or sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
