Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Cranberry Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if using fresh, cut in halves)
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon extract (if using), vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries
- Gently fold in the cranberries with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- If the dough feels too sticky, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough into balls with your hands, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press down on each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 7: Serve and Store
- Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Cranberry Cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If freezing, place the unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and add the glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g