Lemon Pixie Cookies

Lemon Pixie Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. These delightful little cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, giving them a crinkled, frosted appearance and a sweet, tangy bite. Perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you need a citrusy pick-me-up, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, fresh lemon flavor – Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
• Soft and chewy texture – Light and airy with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
• Beautiful crinkle effect – Powdered sugar coating gives them a charming, frosted look.
• Great for any occasion – Perfect for tea parties, holidays, or gift-giving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
7. Form balls: Roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls, then coat each ball in powdered sugar.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have a crackled appearance.
9. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Extra Lemon Kick – Add a teaspoon of lemon extract for a more intense citrus flavor.
• Glazed Finish – Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Lemon-Lime Twist – Add lime zest along with the lemon for a refreshing twist.
• Add Poppy Seeds – Mix in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Vegan Option – Use vegan butter and a flaxseed egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. Thaw, roll in sugar, and bake.
• Reheating: Warm baked cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling prevents the dough from spreading too much and helps maintain the cookie’s soft texture.

How do I get the best crinkle effect?

Make sure the dough is well-chilled and coat generously in powdered sugar before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.

Can I add food coloring for a brighter look?

Yes! A drop of yellow food coloring can enhance the lemony look.

Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon zest?

Yes, but reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon as lemon extract is more concentrated.

What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The balance of butter, eggs, and sugar creates a soft, chewy texture when baked just until set.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

Not much! Chilling the dough helps them maintain their shape while baking.

What can I serve with Lemon Pixie Cookies?

They pair well with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Lemon Pixie Cookies are light, flavorful, and perfect for any citrus lover. With their soft, chewy texture and zesty lemon taste, these cookies are ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant tea parties. Try baking a batch today and enjoy a bright, tangy burst of sunshine in every bite!

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