How to Bake Perfect Lemon Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Home Cooks
Lemon cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zingy freshness of lemons with the comforting sweetness of baked goods. These cookies are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to brighten up any day. Whether you're preparing for a gathering, a bake sale, or just want a sweet indulgence, this guide will walk you through each step to create scrumptious lemon cookies that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before diving into baking, having all your ingredients on hand is vital. Here’s what you’ll need for perfectly baked lemon cookies:
248g Plain Flour
1 tbsp Corn Flour
1/4 tsp Salt
120g Icing Sugar
226g Butter (softened)
2 tbsp Lemon Zest (about 2 medium lemons)
2 Egg Yolks
For the glaze:
120g Icing Sugar
1 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed works best)
These ingredients are staples in many households, making it convenient for home cooks.
Prepping Your Kitchen
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F / 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas Mark 6. At the same time, line your baking trays with baking paper. This will prevent cookies from sticking and simplify cleanup later.
With your oven heating and baking trays ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying those delicious cookies!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 248g of plain flour, 1 tablespoon of corn flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed. This dry mixture provides the structure for your cookies.
Ensure that the corn flour is well-integrated with the plain flour. This inclusion is crucial for achieving the light and crispy texture characteristic of perfect lemon cookies.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl or using a mixer, cream together the 120g icing sugar and 226g softened butter. Add the 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the mixture. Beat until it becomes pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
The light and airy texture helps create rich cookies. Creaming well is essential since this step incorporates air into the dough.
Incorporating the Egg Yolks
Once your butter and sugar mixture is ready, add the 2 egg yolks one at a time. Mix well after each addition. This step is important because the egg yolks help bind the ingredients together, providing moistness and richness to your cookies.
It’s a vital step that influences the overall texture, with yolks contributing around 5g of fat each, ensuring your cookies are tender.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. If the dough feels a bit sticky, don't worry! Refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps firm up the dough, preventing spreading during baking.
Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, scoop it out by the tablespoon and place the balls of dough on your lined baking trays, spacing them about 4-5 cm apart. Gently flatten each dough ball with your hand until they are roughly 1 cm thick. This step ensures even cooking and a great shape.
Baking Time
Place the trays into the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want your cookies to be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This cooling process allows the cookies to set properly while still keeping a soft center, making them a joy to bite into.
Creating the Lemon Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, prepare a simple lemon glaze. In a small bowl, mix 120g of icing sugar with 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until you obtain a smooth consistency. The glaze adds a sweet-tart finish that beautifully complements the lemon flavor.
Glazing the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, it's time to glaze them. Using a spoon, drizzle the lemon glaze over each cookie, ensuring every one has a delightful coating. If desired, spread it out a bit for a more even finish, but the drizzling adds a charming touch.
Savoring Your Lemon Cookies
Now that your lemon cookies are beautifully glazed, they are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for sharing or for indulging on your own. Their fresh lemon flavor paired with the sweetness of the icing balances perfectly, satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Baking lemon cookies is enjoyable, and the outcome is sure to impress your family and friends. With these straightforward instructions, home cooks of all levels can confidently create a batch of these zesty treats.
Remember, the secret to great lemon cookies lies in the quality of your ingredients and the love you put into your baking. So gather your supplies, follow the steps, and enjoy this refreshing dessert!
Happy Baking!
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