Description
Lemon Basil Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies by combining the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the fresh, aromatic notes of basil. Perfect for spring and summer, these cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to make, with an optional lemon glaze to enhance their citrusy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- ½ tsp Baking powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup softened Butter
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh Basil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Optional Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add Flavorings: To the creamed mixture, add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, finely chopped fresh basil, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all the flavor elements uniformly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, and lightly flatten each ball to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving to let them firm up and develop their full flavor.
- Optional Lemon Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies to add a tangy citrus glaze.
Notes
- For a stronger basil flavor, gently crush the fresh basil with a little sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and to help with even baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
