Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies are the perfect treat! With the zesty punch of fresh lemons and a soft, chewy texture, they’re ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for baking the best gluten-free lemon cookies!
Ingredients: Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering a balanced flavor and perfect texture.
Dry Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour | 2 1/4 cups (270g) | Provides structure and chewy texture |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 tsp | Helps cookies rise and spread slightly |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 tsp | Ensures a light, airy texture |
| Fine Sea Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness and enhances flavor |
Wet Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| Salted Butter (softened) | 3/4 cup (170g) | Adds richness and moisture |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Sweetens and creates a tender texture |
| Lemon Juice (fresh) | 2 tbsp | Provides bright, tangy flavor |
| Lemon Zest | Zest of 2 lemons | Intensifies lemon flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Adds depth to the overall flavor |
| Large Egg (room temperature) | 1 | Binds ingredients and adds moisture |
For Rolling
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup (100g) | Coats cookie dough for sweetness |
| Lemon Zest | Zest of 1 lemon | Enhances citrus flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemon Sugar
- Mix the sugar and lemon zest together in a small bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest, then use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly moist.
- This releases essential oils, amplifying the lemon flavor.
2. Make the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Beat until well combined and the mixture lightens in color.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and bake evenly.
3. Shape and Bake
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Form Dough Balls:
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. A #40 cookie scoop works perfectly for uniform sizes.
- Coat in Lemon Sugar:
- Roll each dough ball in the prepared lemon sugar until fully coated.
- Bake:
- Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts about Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
Reviews: Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe
“These cookies are amazing! The lemon flavor is so vibrant, and they’re perfectly soft and chewy. My family couldn’t stop eating them!” — Sarah M.
“I love how easy this recipe is. The step-by-step instructions made it a breeze to follow. These cookies will be a regular in my baking rotation!” — James P.
Community Feedback: Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe
Home bakers love this recipe for its simplicity and bold flavor. Many have shared their variations, such as adding white chocolate chips or drizzling the cookies with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
Tips and Praise: Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! It’s essential for achieving the perfect texture.
- Zest First: Always zest your lemons before juicing them.
- Experiment: Add poppy seeds for a fun twist or dip the cookies in white chocolate for added indulgence.
FAQs
How do you make gluten-free cookies not dry?
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for chewiness.
Ensure proper ratios of wet to dry ingredients and don’t overbake.
What holds gluten-free cookies together?
Eggs and xanthan gum in the flour blend act as binders.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Conclusion: Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies Recipe
These Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves citrus desserts. With a vibrant lemon flavor, soft texture, and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for every occasion. Bake a batch today and savor the irresistible taste of summer in every bite!
For more gluten-free dessert ideas, check out recipes for gluten-free lemon bars, lemon cream pie, and gluten-free brownies. Happy baking! 🍋
