Zesty Lemon Cherry Cookies Recipe

Are you looking for a cookie recipe that’s both sweet and tangy with a touch of sophistication? These Zesty Lemon Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their buttery base, vibrant lemon glaze, and a surprise cherry jam center, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at parties, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups (350g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling and Glaze:

• 1 cup (240g) cherry jam
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: Yellow food coloring for a vibrant finish

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer (about 2–3 minutes).
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
3. Shape and Fill the Cookies
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
   • Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press down the center of each dough ball to create a small well. Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of cherry jam.
4. Bake to Perfection
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers should remain soft to maintain a chewy texture. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Lemon Glaze
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest until smooth. Add a drop of yellow food coloring if you want the glaze to pop visually.
6. Decorate the Cookies
   • Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to dessert platters or gift boxes for friends and family.

Tips and Variations

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Flavor Twist: Swap the cherry jam for raspberry or strawberry jam for a slightly different fruity twist.
• Zest It Up: Add extra lemon zest to the glaze for a more intense citrus flavor.

These Zesty Lemon Cherry Cookies combine the buttery goodness of a classic cookie with the vibrant flavors of lemon and cherry. They’re simple to make, visually appealing, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to everyone who tries them.