Imagine biting into a cookie that bursts with bright, tangy lemon flavor and a delightful crunch of poppy seeds - a treat so irresistible that it'll have everyone begging for your secret recipe! These Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are not just another ordinary dessert; they're a sunshine-infused, bakery-quality sensation you can easily create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress guests, treat yourself to a midday pick-me-up, or simply indulge in a little baking therapy, these cookies are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ 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 large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated 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 and smooth.
- Mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the back of a spoon or your fingertips to create a slight disk shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- 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 simple lemon glaze for extra flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
- Zest is Best: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor - avoid using dried or bottled zest.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Watch the Edges: The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Optional Upgrade: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze or dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
