Lemon White Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies. These cookies combine a soft, buttery texture with a bright, zesty lemon flavor, topped with a sweet lemon glaze and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. With just the right balance of tangy and sweet, they’re perfect for spring gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave a cheerful, citrus-infused treat. The optional addition of yellow food coloring gives these cookies a bright, sunny appearance, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or the palm of your hand.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should still be soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add a few drops of yellow food coloring if you want a sunny, yellow glaze.
- Glaze the Cookies: Using a spoon, drizzle or spread a thin layer of glaze over each cooled cookie. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the White Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the glazed cookies in a zig-zag pattern.
- Let Set: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until the glaze and chocolate drizzle are fully set.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredient brands and quantities.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes! These cookies store well and can be made up to a few days in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for a more vibrant lemon flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
- Absolutely! Freeze the cookies without glaze and drizzle. When ready to serve, thaw and add the glaze and drizzle fresh for the best texture.
4. Can I make the dough in advance and bake later?
- Yes, the cookie dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
5. What can I use if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
- You can substitute with regular chocolate chips, though it will change the flavor profile. If you want to maintain the white chocolate flavor, you could also use a white chocolate candy bar broken into pieces.
Tips for Success
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to ensure the perfect cookie texture. Cold butter can make the dough hard to work with, while melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Use Fresh Lemon for Best Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the brightest, most authentic lemon flavor. Add a little lemon zest to the glaze if you’d like an extra zing.
- Drizzling Technique: For easy drizzling, pour the melted white chocolate into a small plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and squeeze it over the cookies.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store glazed and drizzled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Refrigeration: You can store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, skip the glaze and white chocolate drizzle, and store the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze and drizzle.
Conclusion
Lemon White Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a refreshing and sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their soft, buttery texture, combined with a bright lemon glaze and a delicate white chocolate drizzle, makes them truly irresistible. These cookies are easy to make and look beautiful, making them a great choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a quiet day at home. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends, these cookies will brighten up any day with their cheerful flavor. Enjoy this burst of lemony sweetness, and watch as they quickly become a household favorite!