Zesty Lemon Holly Cookies Recipe – Bright and Delicious
Zesty Lemon Holly Cookies are vibrant, festive treats that bring a burst of citrus flavor with every bite. These lemony cookies are shaped like holly leaves, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray. Their crisp texture, combined with the zesty sweetness of lemon, makes these cookies a cheerful and delicious seasonal treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Green food coloring (optional)
For Decoration:
- Red candy pearls or sprinkles
- Edible glitter or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a holly leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add green food coloring if desired.
- Decorate the Cookies:
- Brush or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Decorate with red candy pearls or sprinkles to resemble holly berries. Optionally, sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar for extra sparkle.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- If you don’t have holly leaf cookie cutters, use any festive shapes you like.
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
- You can make the cookies a day in advance, as the flavors often improve overnight.
Keywords: Zesty Lemon Holly Cookies, lemon cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, lemon glaze cookies, festive cookies, holly cookies, Christmas treats, lemon holiday dessert.