If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances bright, zesty lemon with a rich, tender crumb, your search ends here with this Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies Recipe. These little gems are a stunning combination of simplicity and show-stopping flavor. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, piped into delicate shapes, then sparkling with colorful sanding sugar. They are not just cookies; they’re a joyful celebration of lemon’s vibrant charm, perfect for sending smiles across the kitchen or the whole neighborhood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these scrumptious lemon spritz cookies is delightfully straightforward thanks to the simple, everyday ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the mix. From the bright tang of lemon zest to the creamy softness of butter, every component plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect texture and flavor.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of lemon and adds structure to the dough.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the lemon and butter truly shine through.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives these cookies their tender, yet sturdy texture. King Arthur flour works beautifully.
- 2 tbsp lemon zest: Finely grated for the best flavor, it pumps up the lemony brightness.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: A gentle lift that keeps the cookies light and delicate.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing, it’s the heart and soul of that buttery flavor.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the lemon notes.
- 2 tsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a vibrant tang that brings these cookies to life.
- 1 large egg: Room temperature for even mixing, it binds all the ingredients beautifully.
- Pink sanding sugar: For a touch of sparkle and fun color contrast.
- Yellow sanding sugar: Or any bright colors you prefer to make the cookies extra festive.
How to Make Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where the magic of buttery richness begins. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring until everything is well combined. Once your wet ingredients harmonize, gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Mixing just until the dough comes together is key to keeping your cookies tender and delicate.
Step 2: Shape Your Cookies
Traditionally, spritz cookies are made using a cookie press or piping bag, which forms those classic, intricate shapes. Transfer your dough to a cookie press fitted with your favorite design or load it into a piping bag with a star tip. Press or pipe the dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart to give room for slight spreading.
Step 3: Add Color and Sparkle
Before baking, sprinkle the cookies generously with your chosen sanding sugars. The pink and yellow sanding sugars not only add a beautiful pop of color but a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft cookie base. This step turns simple cookies into vibrant treats that catch the eye and tempt the taste buds.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 6 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure they don’t overbake. The edges should be set, and the bottoms lightly golden, but the cookies themselves remain soft and tender. After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the sparkling sanding sugar adorns these cookies so beautifully on its own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can elevate their appearance even further for special occasions. Fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top right before serving will also enhance their zesty personality.
Side Dishes
These zesty cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and treats. Serve alongside a hot cup of tea, a bright lemonade, or even a sparkling rosé to complement the lemon notes. A bowl of fresh berries or light whipped cream on the side also makes for an elegant pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is a joy with Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies Recipe. Try stacking them in a pretty jar tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh lemon slices and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. You can even sandwich some lemon curd or buttercream between two cookies for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your lemon spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to a week while maintaining that tender, buttery texture. Separating layers with parchment paper ensures they don’t stick together or lose their charming shapes.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delightful cookies later, you can freeze the dough before baking or the finished cookies themselves. Wrap dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to one month. For baked cookies, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes. This softens the edges and releases all the buttery lemon aromas as if they just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Absolutely! Lemon extract can be a convenient substitute if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand. Use about half the amount in the recipe as extract is more concentrated. However, fresh lemon juice brings a brighter, more natural flavor that really makes these cookies shine.
What is the best tool for shaping spritz cookies?
A cookie press is the traditional and easiest way to create beautiful spritz cookie shapes quickly and uniformly. However, a piping bag fitted with a star tip can work just as well if you prefer. Just be sure your dough is soft enough to pipe smoothly but firm enough to hold its shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but results may vary. Some adjustments like adding a binder such as xanthan gum might help maintain the dough’s structure and texture. It’s worth experimenting if gluten-free baking is important to you!
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh and delicious for about a week. They actually seem to deepen in flavor and stay tender, thanks to their buttery nature.
Can I add other citrus flavors?
Definitely! While lemon is the star in this recipe, you can experiment with lime, orange, or even grapefruit zest and juice for a fun twist. Just adjust the quantity slightly as some citrus fruits have stronger or sweeter flavors.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine into your kitchen and your heart. These cookies balance buttery richness with bright lemon zest in such a playful, delightful way that every bite feels like a little moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cheerful treat, these spritz cookies promise smiles and sweet memories. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and share the love!
Print
Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24 cookies depending on size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buttery Lemon Spritz Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a zesty lemon punch, these cookies are beautifully decorated with colorful sanding sugar to add a festive touch. Ideal for spring gatherings, tea parties, or anytime you crave a light, citrusy cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (preferably King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (finely grated for best flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Decoration
- Pink sanding sugar
- Yellow sanding sugar or any bright colors you prefer
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly at the right temperature.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and lemon zest to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cream butter and wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, using a mixer or a whisk, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the egg; mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Mix wet and dry together: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a smooth, uniform dough forms. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Prepare cookie dough for pressing: Fill a cookie press fitted with your desired decorative disc with the dough, or alternatively, chill the dough slightly and form into shapes manually.
- Press and decorate cookies: Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Immediately sprinkle the tops with pink and yellow sanding sugar for a festive finish.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The cookies should remain light in color for best texture and flavor.
- Cool the cookies: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which helps set the texture.
Notes
- For best lemon flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Make sure butter and egg are at room temperature to facilitate easy mixing and smooth dough.
- A cookie press or piping bag with decorative tips works best for uniform spritz cookie shapes.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be tender and light-colored, not browned.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
