Pin Bright, zesty cookies featuring joyful lemon and holiday spices that bring Hanukkah and Christmas together in a soft, glazed treat. Perfect for festive gatherings, these cookies add cheerful flavor to any seasonal table.
I first baked these cookies with my children during the holidays, blending our family’s love for lemon with festive spices. Each bite brings back memories of chilly evenings and cozy celebrations around the kitchen.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter (softened): 3/4 cup (170 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Lemon zest: Zest of 2 lemons
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
- Fresh lemon juice (for glaze): 2 3 tbsp
- Milk: 1 tbsp
- Blue and white sprinkles or edible glitter (optional): For decoration
Instructions
- Prepare pans:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients:
- Mix in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until fully blended.
- Combine:
- Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just incorporated.
- Shape cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto pans, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Make glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and decorate:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Immediately add sprinkles if using.
- Set glaze:
- Let glaze set before serving or storing.
Pin We love packing these cookies in gift boxes and sharing them with neighbors, bringing warmth and happiness to our Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer (or whisk), measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. For substitutions, use plant-based butter and milk and a gluten-free flour blend. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie has approximately 120 calories, 5 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Pin This festive cookie recipe combines winter cheer and bright citrus bliss for every holiday moment. Enjoy the baking and share the love!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can lemon extract be used for stronger flavor?
Yes, a few drops of lemon extract can deepen the citrus note in the dough for bolder brightness.
- → How long can these cookies be stored?
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
- → Are dairy-free substitutions possible?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and milk to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing texture.
- → Can gluten-free flour be used?
Yes, simply swap in your preferred gluten-free flour blend and check all ingredient labels for allergens.
- → What gives these cookies their festive touch?
Bright lemon flavor, holiday spices, and colorful sprinkles or edible glitter create a seasonal, cheerful appearance.
- → How is the glaze made and applied?
Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth, then drizzle or spread over cooled cookies before decorating.