If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday baking with something irresistibly soft, zesty, and festive, this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. Packed with fresh lemon juice and zest, paired with the rich creaminess of cream cheese and butter, these cookies come out tender, melt-in-your-mouth delightful, and perfectly sweet. They strike that magical balance of light citrus flavor with a comforting softness that your family and friends will rave about all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the amazing texture and bright lemon flavor that make this recipe a holiday standout. From the rich cream cheese to the zingy lemon zest, everything blends into cookie perfection.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The base for structure and softness in every bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right for that tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Adds slight lift and balances acidity.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors dramatically.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for soft texture.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): The secret ingredient for extra tenderness and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness with just enough crunch on the surface.
- Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients and adds moisture.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Bursts of natural citrus brightness.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies lemon flavor in every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates that signature soft sugar coating.
How to Make Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple set-up is the first step toward warm, lemony goodness.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these upfront ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that tender texture we all want during the holidays.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air, lending the cookies their soft and pillowy texture while balancing richness and sweetness.
Step 4: Add Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. This step infuses the dough with vibrant citrus flavor that truly defines this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender dough that will bake into soft, delicate cookies with a slight chew.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then, roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar before placing them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This coating gives the cookies their classic crackled sugar finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms are just lightly golden and the tops have set without stiffening. Let them cool on the pan for 2 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Optional Lemon Glaze
If you want to take your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe to the next level, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to create a tangy glaze. Drizzle it over cooled cookies and sprinkle with festive Christmas sprinkles. It adds a wonderful visual and flavorful touch.
How to Serve Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing says festive like a little sparkle! After glazing, colorful Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar add a delightful pop of holiday cheer and texture. If you skip the glaze, a light dusting of powdered sugar still makes these cookies look magical.
Side Dishes
Serve these chewy lemon treats alongside a cozy cup of hot tea, a creamy eggnog, or even a chilled glass of milk. They pair beautifully with drinks that balance their bright, sweet profile, making your holiday gathering feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe on a vintage holiday platter or stack them with ribbons tied around for charming gift boxes. You can even layer cookies and small citrus fruit decorations in a clear jar for a lovely homemade gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead for the holidays, these cookies freeze beautifully before or after baking. Just freeze the dough balls on a tray and transfer them to a freezer bag, or freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies fresh from the freezer, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This brings back their signature softness and that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice gives the brightest, freshest flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just be aware it might slightly alter the brightness of the cookie’s lemony punch.
What makes these cookies so soft compared to regular lemon cookies?
The addition of cream cheese and the careful balance of baking powder and soda contribute to the ultra-soft texture that sets this Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe apart from typical lemon cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, preferably one that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.
Is the optional glaze necessary?
Not at all! The cookies are perfectly delicious on their own with the powdered sugar coating, but the glaze adds an extra tangy brightness and festive look if you want to dress them up.
How should I store leftover cookies if I live in a humid climate?
In humid areas, store your cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread or a dry desiccant packet to help absorb moisture. This will help keep the cookies soft but prevent them from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe during the holiday season — the bright lemon flavor combined with the tender softness feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or indulging yourself, these cookies bring that perfect holiday spirit to your kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your cherished holiday traditions too!
Print
Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Soft Lemon Cookies are delightfully tender and packed with a bright lemon flavor, enhanced by cream cheese for extra softness. Rolled in powdered sugar and optionally glazed with a tangy lemon icing decorated with festive sprinkles, they make the perfect holiday treat to share or gift.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat 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, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps achieve a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each dough ball in powdered sugar thoroughly for a sweet, snowy coating.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are just set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain their soft texture.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies and decorate with Christmas sprinkles before the glaze sets for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft and fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container.
- They freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of the holidays.
- Add a drop of yellow food coloring to the dough or use holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
