Lemon Spritz Cookies – All Cooks Corner

Lemon Spritz Cookies are light, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavor. These delightful bite-sized cookies are easy to make, perfect for holiday baking, and great for gifting. With their delicate texture and refreshing lemon taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients

To make these zesty cookies, you’ll need:

Butter: 1 cup, softened, for a rich, tender texture.
Cream Cheese: 3 ounces, softened, adding a slight tang and extra creaminess.
White Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
Egg Yolk: 1, for structure and moisture.
Lemon Zest: 1 1/2 teaspoons, finely grated, for a bright citrusy kick.
Lemon Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the lemon flavor.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for a warm, balanced taste.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups, forming the cookie base.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Make the Dough:

In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy.
Mix in sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually add flour and salt until fully incorporated and dough forms.

3. Shape the Cookies:

Shape dough into small logs and place into a cookie press.
Press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between them.

4. Bake:

Bake for 12-14 minutes until cookies are lightly browned around the edges.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they offer some benefits:

Lemon zest adds antioxidants and vitamin C.
Homemade cookies have no artificial preservatives or additives.
Cream cheese provides a slight calcium boost.
A small serving size allows for mindful indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra citrusy sweetness.
Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing dessert platter.

Creative Variations

Lemon-Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a crunchy twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies.
Almond Lemon Spritz: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty depth.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for longer freshness.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for the best dough consistency.
Chill the dough slightly if it’s too soft for the cookie press.
Test a few cookies first to ensure the press pattern holds its shape.
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without a cookie press? Yes! Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with a fork.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of extract? Lemon extract provides a stronger flavor, but you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice instead.

Why did my cookies spread too much? If the dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before pressing the cookies.

Enjoy your Lemon Spritz Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery richness and zesty citrus flavor!