lemon cookies

Lemon cookies are a delightful treat, blending zesty freshness with buttery sweetness. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make them at home.

Ingredients:

- 1½ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 2 tbsp lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)

- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

- ½ tsp vanilla extract

- ¼ tsp salt

- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).

5. Shape & Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden.

6. Cool & Dust: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Variations: For extra tang, add a lemon glaze (mix powdered sugar with lemon juice) or white chocolate chips. Enjoy these crisp-yet-chewy cookies with tea or as a summer snack!