Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies. They combine the rich, buttery taste of classic cookies with the zesty freshness of lemon. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
These cookies are a fantastic blend of flavors that remind you of sunny days. The lemon adds a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie dough. They’re great for gatherings, as a treat with tea or coffee, or just as a snack at home. Plus, they are simple to make, so you can whip up a batch anytime you want something special.
How to Make Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for glaze)
- Extra lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. The dough should be soft.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until smooth.
- Drizzle or dip cooled cookies in the glaze, and let set for 30 minutes.
- Optionally, garnish with extra lemon zest before serving. Enjoy with tea or coffee!
How to Serve Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also combine them with fresh fruit for a light dessert. They make a wonderful treat to share with family and friends.
How to Store Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips to Make Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for best mixing.
- Don’t over-mix the dough; just combine until it comes together.
- Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Variation
For a change, you can add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. You can also switch the lemon for other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a whole egg instead of just the yolk?
Yes, you can, but using just the yolk makes the cookies richer and softer.
2. How can I make these cookies more lemony?
You can increase the amount of lemon juice and zest in the glaze for a stronger lemon flavor.
3. Can I bake these cookies in advance?
Definitely! You can bake the cookies a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just glaze them before serving for fresh taste.
Enjoy baking and sharing your Lemon Bar Butter Cookies!
