Delight Your Holidays with Zesty Lemon Christmas Cookies
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team
As the festive season approaches, there s something truly enchanting about the combination of citrus and sweet delights. That s why I couldn t resist sharing my favorite Lemon Christmas Cookies perfectly zesty, adorably shaped, and utterly delightful! The first time I whipped up a batch, the bright scent of lemon zest wafted through my kitchen, transporting me straight into a holiday wonderland.
These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they re a canvas for imagination! Whether you shape them into classic wreaths or let creativity take the lead with unique forms, each bite delivers a tangy burst that dances on your palate. Plus, they re wonderfully versatile, fitting seamlessly into any holiday celebration or cozy afternoon tea.
Let s say goodbye to the humdrum of fast food and embrace the joy of homemade goodness. In just over an hour, you can create a batch of delightful cookies that will impress family and friends. Get ready to sprinkle some magic into your kitchen with these Lemon Christmas Cookies that are bound to become your new festive favorite!
Why Love These Lemon Christmas Cookies?
Zesty Flavor: The bright lemon zest brings a refreshing twist that perfectly balances the sweetness, making them a standout holiday treat.
Creativity Unleashed: Shape them into adorable wreaths or your favorite festive forms to impress your guests with your baking flair.
Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of active work, you can have the dough ready for chilling, leaving you time to enjoy the festive spirit.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or even as a sweet perk-up in your afternoon tea routine.
Banish Fast Food: These homemade cookies offer a heartwarming alternative to store-bought sweets, bringing back the joy of real cooking and baking.
Embrace the holiday cheer and make these Lemon Christmas Cookies a centerpiece of your festive celebrations!
Lemon Christmas Cookies Ingredients
Here s what you need to make these delightful treats!
For the Cookies
- Unsalted butter 113 g, cool but slightly soft; this gives your cookies a rich and creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar 150 g; adds sweetness and helps create that lovely golden color.
- Zest of 1 Lemon brings a fresh, vibrant flavor that defines the festive spirit of these cookies.
- Large egg 1, room temperature; helps bind the ingredients for a perfect dough consistency.
- Vanilla extract 1 tsp; adds depth and warms up the flavor profile.
- Milk 1/2 TBS; a little extra moisture to keep your cookies soft.
- All-purpose flour 270 g; forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
- Cornstarch 1 1/2 tsp; helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture you re going to love.
- Salt 1/2 tsp; enhances all the wonderful flavors in your cookies.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar 120 g; the base for your glaze, giving it the right sweetness and smoothness.
- Whole milk 1 TBS; combines with the powdered sugar for a delightful, drippy consistency.
- Fresh lemon juice 1 2 TBS; this brightens the glaze and makes it oh-so-refreshing.
- Light corn syrup 1 TBS (optional); adds shine to your glaze, making your cookies sparkle!
Get ready to bring the joy of homemade cookies into your kitchen with these delicious Lemon Christmas Cookies!
How to Make Lemon Christmas Cookies
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Cream Together: Begin by creaming your cool but slightly soft unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a mixer on medium-low speed until fluffy and well combined. This step takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, introduce the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly on medium-low until everything is smooth and creamy.
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Incorporate Milk: Pour in the milk and give it a gentle mix until fully integrated. This helps to keep the dough soft and moist.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the mixer in 3 additions, mixing on low until the cookie dough almost comes together.
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Roll the Dough: Once the dough is mixed, roll it out between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick for easy handling later.
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Chill the Dough: Place the rolled dough on a cookie sheet, cover it, and refrigerate for 60 minutes or until it feels firm to the touch.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) so it s hot and ready for baking!
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Cut Out Cookies: After chilling, cut out 2 2.5-inch scalloped shapes from the dough. Be sure to make a small circle in the center of each one to resemble festive wreaths.
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Chill Again: Cover the cookie cutouts and chill them for another 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
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Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, until they re lightly golden brown around the edges. Watch them closely for that perfect finish!
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Cool Down: Let the cookies rest on the hot sheet pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Glaze: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, fresh lemon juice, and optional light corn syrup in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice for your desired consistency.
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Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over your cookies or dip the tops. Get creative and decorate as the glaze remains wet for extra fun!
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Store the Cookies: Once the glaze has set, store your delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Optional: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for extra festive flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Lemon Christmas Cookies?
As you prepare these festive delights, imagine the warmth of gathering with loved ones over a cheerful holiday meal.
- Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the zesty notes of the cookies, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, spiced drink adds a cozy touch that complements the bright lemon, making each sip a festive treat.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess provides a lovely contrast to the lemon s brightness.
- Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a burst of freshness that brightens up your dessert table.
- Lemonade Spritzers: Refreshingly fizzy and citrusy, these drinks enhance the cookie s tangy flavor while adding a fun effervescence.
- Gingerbread Men: The warm spices of gingerbread create a charming holiday duo with the citrus zing of the lemon cookies, perfect for kids and adults alike!
- Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti: These crunchy, sweet cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea, adding texture and a bit of richness alongside your zesty cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side melts into a dreamy combination with the bright lemon flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Christmas Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Lemon Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies, which will keep them good for up to 2 weeks; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet so they don t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then enjoy as-is or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Christmas Cookies are ideal for meal prep, saving you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the rolling and chilling steps. Simply roll out the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you re ready to bake. Additionally, once baked and cooled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. When you re ready to serve, drizzle the glaze and allow it to set for a few minutes; your delicious cookies will be just as fresh and delightful as when they were made!
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Christmas Cookies
Chill Time: Ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can dull the refreshing zing of your Lemon Christmas Cookies.
Baking Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. Baking cookies at the right temperature ensures they bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden brown color.
Watch the Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They can go from perfectly baked to overdone in just a minute.
Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with the glaze by adding food coloring or different extracts to customize your Lemon Christmas Cookies for special occasions!
Lemon Christmas Cookies Variations
Get ready to enhance your baking experience with some exciting twists to these lemony delights!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xantham gum for perfect cookies.
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Additional Citrus: Add zest of 1 orange or lime along with the lemon for a vibrant citrus medley that brightens up every bite.
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Herb-Infused: Incorporate finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic surprise that pairs beautifully with lemon.
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Nutty Texture: Fold in crushed almonds or walnuts to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch that adds depth to the buttery flavor.
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Frosting Twist: Instead of a glaze, try using a cream cheese frosting for a tangy, rich layer that complements the lemon perfectly.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon can add a warm, wintery spice that beautifully complements the zestiness.
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Berry Burst: Toss in some dried cranberries or blueberries into the dough for little pockets of sweetness and color throughout.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a dark chocolate drizzle over the glazed cookies for a decadent touch that balances the tartness beautifully.
These variations invite your creativity to flourish in the kitchen, ensuring that your Lemon Christmas Cookies are uniquely yours this holiday season!
Lemon Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting lemons for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing lemons, look for ones that are firm and fragrant. Avoid lemons with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate age. Fresh lemons generally yield more juice and zest, enhancing the overall flavor of your Lemon Christmas Cookies.
How can I store Lemon Christmas Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your Lemon Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks just make sure to wrap them well to keep their moisture intact!
Can I freeze Lemon Christmas Cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the cookies are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
What if my cookie dough seems too sticky or crumbly?
Not to worry! If your dough is too sticky, it may be helpful to chill it for a bit longer. Chilling firms up the butter, making it easier to handle. If it feels crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk, which can help bind the ingredients together. Remember, the goal is a smooth dough that holds its shape when cut!
Are there any dietary considerations for making these cookies?
Yes, if you re concerned about allergies, these Lemon Christmas Cookies contain gluten due to the all-purpose flour and dairy from the butter and milk. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also explore dairy alternatives such as coconut or almond milk for the glaze, ensuring to read labels for potential allergens. Always check your ingredients to cater to your dietary needs!
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While it s possible to use bottled lemon juice, I recommend sticking to fresh lemon juice for the best flavor! Bottled varieties can lack the vibrant zestiness that fresh juice provides, which is crucial in making your Lemon Christmas Cookies truly shine. Fresh zest elevates the flavor, making the effort worthwhile!