Zesty Lemon Poundcake Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Citrus Delight

Crafting delectable lemon poundcake cookies becomes a delightful adventure in sweet simplicity.

Zesty citrus notes dance through a classic recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Soft, buttery textures promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that celebrates seasonal brightness.

Baking these treats connects us to cherished memories of summer afternoons.

Fragrant lemon essence weaves magic into every tender crumb, creating an irresistible aroma.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can whip up these cookies with confidence.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a sanctuary of citrusy comfort and joy.

Serve Up Lemon Cookies with Style

• Zesty Breakfast Companion: Pair these tangy lemon poundcake cookies with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful serving plate alongside other light pastries like madeleines or shortbread for an elegant dessert spread.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack these cookies in a cute tin for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or picnics as a refreshing sweet snack that travels well and brings sunshine to any meal.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap a stack of cookies in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon for a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and baking skills.

Keeping Lemon Cookies Fresh and Bright

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without the glaze to prevent sogginess.
• Place cookies in a sealed container with a piece of bread to help retain moisture. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore softness.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I get the best lemon flavor in these cookies?

Use fresh lemon zest and don’t skimp on it. Zest adds intense citrus oils that boost the lemon flavor more than juice alone.

• Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Overmixing the dough or using warm ingredients can cause cookies to spread too much during baking.

• How can I tell when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center. They might seem soft when first out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.

Zesty Lemon Poundcake Cookies: Sunshine in Every Bite

• Burst with Citrusy Delight: Zesty lemon flavor transforms ordinary cookies into a refreshing treat that wakes up your taste buds with bright, tangy notes.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for afternoon tea, potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet afternoon snack that everyone will love and appreciate.
• Simple Elegance: Stunning glazed finish and light texture create a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What You Need for Zesty Lemon Poundcake Cookies

• Butter: A rich and creamy base that provides a soft texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the foundation of the cookie's structure.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor that gives these cookies their distinctive tangy taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that adds a sweet and zesty finish to the cookies.

Bake Lemon Poundcake Cookies in No Time

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Citrus Flavor

Introduce the egg into the butter mixture, then gently fold in fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and free of lumps.

Step 5: Merge Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Form Cookie Shapes

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Flatten and Bake

Gently press down on each cookie to slightly flatten.

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Create Tangy Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.

Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Step 10: Finish with Glaze

Drizzle the zesty glaze over the cooled cookies, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.

Lemon Cookie Magic: Baker’s Notes

• Use room temperature butter for smooth, creamy texture that blends easily without overmixing.
• Grate lemon zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, maximizing bright citrus flavor in cookies.
• Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and light.
• Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• Drizzle lemon glaze when cookies are completely cool to achieve clean, crisp coating.

Lemon Poundcake Cookie Twists & Ideas

• Gluten-Free Lemon Poundcake Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based milk for moisture.
• Orange Zest Variation: Substitute lemon zest and juice with fresh orange zest and juice for a different citrus profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweet flavor.

Lemon Poundcake Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon poundcake cookies blend creamy richness with bright citrus notes, creating a delightful dessert sensation. Crumbly yet moist, these treats offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
3. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, then fold in the vibrant lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, mixing until thoroughly combined.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just incorporated to prevent overworking the dough.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie for spreading.
7. Delicately press down on each cookie to slightly flatten, creating a more uniform shape before placing in the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness and crisp texture.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until silky smooth, adding extra lemon zest for an intense citrus punch.
11. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the bright, tangy glaze over the top, creating an elegant and flavorful finish.

Notes

• Zest Matters: Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor in your cookies.
• Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is truly softened at room temperature, not melted, for the perfect creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Storage Trick: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their soft, tender texture for several days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 156
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 52 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg