Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly balances the bright, citrusy zing of fresh lemon with a delightful, slightly crunchy cornmeal texture. These Lemon Cornmeal Cookies are not just another sweet treat; they're a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a sunny Italian kitchen. With their golden edges, subtle crunch, and vibrant lemon essence, these cookies are about to become your new obsession – guaranteed to impress both family and friends with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or the palm of your hand to create a slight disk shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light lemon glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and prevent toughness.
- Zest matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most intense citrus flavor. Avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
- Uniform cookie size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookies that bake evenly.
- Watch baking time carefully: Cookies should be just golden at the edges. Overbaking can make them dry and hard.
- Cooling is crucial: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Optional enhancement: A light dusting of powdered sugar or lemon glaze can elevate these cookies from good to extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
