Perfectly Baked Lemon Butter Cookies

In today’s recipe, we will be making delicious lemon butter cookies that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. These easy-to-bake treats are perfect for a tea party or as an after-school snack. The aroma of freshly baked cookies can turn any moment into something special.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, for dusting cookies after baking (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Beat in the lemon juice and zest to create an aromatic base.

2. Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.

3. Slowly mix in the flour until just incorporated; overmixing will lead to tough cookies.

4. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step ensures that the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape well.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

6. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls, flattening each slightly. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between cookies for spreading during baking.

7. Bake in batches if necessary, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides. Each batch takes about 10 minutes in total – keep checking around the 8-minute mark to avoid burning or overcooking.

8. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling completely.

To serve these cookies, simply place them in decorative tins or arrange them neatly on pretty plates. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar just before serving if desired; this adds an extra touch of elegance and sweetness that compliments the already tangy lemon flavor!

Cooking Time: 1 Hour

Preparation time is approximately 40 minutes, which includes chilling the dough. Actual baking time is around 35 minutes for all batches combined.

Servings: About 48 Cookies

The recipe yields quite a large batch to ensure there’s plenty for everyone! You can easily halve or double the ingredients depending on your needs; just remember that chilling times may vary accordingly.

These lemon butter cookies are not only tasty but also relatively easy to make. They require minimal effort yet deliver impressive results every time you try them out in your kitchen. Feel free to adjust flavors by adding more zest or juice, or even add a few drops of vanilla essence for extra depth in taste.

Storage Tips:

• Bake the cookies and let them cool completely before storing. Place them inside an airtight container or zip-top baggies.
• They stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature, though they’ll last longer when refrigerated for up to two weeks.

This recipe provides a simple yet satisfying treat suitable for all ages. It’s particularly favored during spring and summer months when citrus fruits are abundant, making it easy to find lemons without any hassle!