Zesty Lemon Christmas Star Cookies

Zesty Lemon Christmas Cookies My Star Baker Secret

By Evelyn ThatcherSeptember 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Zesty Lemon Christmas Star Cookies

Quick Hook

Fancy baking something Christmassy with a zesty kick? These Christmas cookies lemon -infused are about to become your new holiday favourite. They're bright, cheerful, and oh-so-delicious.

Brief Overview

These citrus Christmas cookies are a twist on traditional sugar cookies. They bring a ray of sunshine to your holiday baking.

The recipe is of medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This makes about 24-30 cookies. They're perfect for sharing, or just for you.

Main Benefits

These festive lemon treats are bursting with vitamin C from fresh lemon juice . They're ideal for a holiday baking session with the family.

What makes this recipe special? The combination of buttery sweetness and tangy lemon zest is simply divine.

Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients for the Dough:

227g unsalted butter, softened
150g granulated sugar
50g large egg, room temperature
5ml vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons (approx. 2 tablespoons)
Juice of ½ lemon (approx. 1.5 tablespoons)
300g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2.5g baking powder
1.5g salt

Ingredients for the Lemon Glaze:

180g powdered sugar
45-60ml lemon juice , or until desired consistency is reached.
Optional: Yellow food coloring

This is all you need to bake the best Christmas star cookies . Remember, don't overmix the dough! Chill it for at least 45 minutes.

This helps keep the cookies from spreading too much on the baking sheets . Also, keep a close eye on them in the oven.

Lemon cookies can burn quickly!

Honestly, these easy Christmas cookie recipes will make you feel like a proper festive bake off champion.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Bake!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up these bright and cheerful christmas cookies lemon . Honestly, it's not a massive list, and you probably have most of it already.

Main Ingredients: Measure Carefully!

Here’s what you need. Don't skimp on quality, especially the butter. It really makes a difference.

For the Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (227g) : The butter should be properly softened. Think spreadable, not melted.
¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
1 large egg (50g), room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
Zest of 2 lemons (approx. 2 tablespoons) : Fresh is best! That lemon zest is key for that zing.
Juice of ½ lemon (approx. 1.5 tablespoons) : From the zested lemons, of course.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300g), plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon baking powder (2.5g)
¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar (180g) : Also known as icing sugar.
3-4 tablespoons lemon juice (45-60ml) : Adjust to get the right consistency.
Optional: Yellow food coloring (gel or liquid)

Seasoning Notes: That Lemon Zing!

Lemon is the star here! We are making citrus Christmas cookies . Don't be shy with the zest. It’s where the magic happens for holiday baking .

If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cardamom can add a warm, festive note. Honestly... it's a game changer.

You know?

No cardamom? Don’t sweat it. A dash of nutmeg will do in a pinch. This is about easy Christmas cookie recipes , not culinary stress.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this. Just the basics!

Electric mixer (stand or hand held)
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Microplane zester: Essential for fine lemon zest .
Lemon juicer
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: This will prevent sticking.
Baking sheets : You'll need at least two.
Rolling pin
Christmas star cookies cutters: Or any festive shape you like.
Wire rack

Don't have a zester? A fine grater will work, but be careful not to get the bitter white pith. No cookie cutters? Use a knife to cut out squares.

It's all good! Make sure to try these festive lemon treats .

Honestly, I remember one year, I forgot the baking powder! The cookies were still tasty, but super flat. Learn from my mistakes.

A little lemon juice goes a long way in making these cookies extra special! Plus, nothing beats decorating christmas cookies lemon with family, especially the little ones.

And don't forget a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of Christmas magic.

Cooking Method: Baking Zesty Lemon Christmas Star Cookies

Alright, let's talk Christmas cookies lemon . I'm thinking these Zesty Lemon Christmas Star Cookies will be the festive lemon treats you need this holiday season.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place , but Make it Festive

Honestly, before you even think about turning on the oven, get your stuff together. This is essential mise en place , people!

First, get out all your ingredients. Soften the butter (1 cup/227g), measure out the sugar (¾ cup/150g), and get that egg (50g) to room temperature.

Zest those two lemons and juice half of one! Having your lemon zest and lemon juice ready to go is key.

Next, line those baking sheets with parchment paper. Finally, a quick safety reminder: don't lick the beaters until AFTER the egg is cooked! You know?

step-by-step: From Bowl to Baking Sheets

Okay, here's the lowdown on making these citrus Christmas cookies :

Cream together softened butter and sugar. The mixer does the hard work.
Beat in egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest , and lemon juice . Mix it well!
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Keep it separate, it mixes better.
Gradually add the dry to wet. Keep it on low; avoid flour explosions.
Chill the dough! This is non-negotiable. 45 minutes minimum.
Preheat to 375° F/ 190° C and prep your baking sheets.
Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out Christmas star cookies .
Bake for 8- 10 minutes , watching those edges turn golden.

Pro Tips: Become a Cookie Pro

Want next level Christmas cookies lemon ?

Here's a trick: Don't overmix the dough. This keeps them tender. I learned that the hard way!

Also, when glazing, dip the cookies while the glaze is still a bit runny. It'll set beautifully. For a special touch, sprinkle with extra powdered sugar .

If you're super organized (unlike me!), you can make the dough a day ahead. It's great for holiday baking . You now have delicious and easy Christmas cookie recipes .

Recipe Notes for the Best Christmas Cookies Lemon, Ever!

Okay, let's chat a bit more about these incredible Christmas cookies lemon . Honestly, a recipe is just a starting point. The real magic happens when you make it your own!

Serving 'Em Up!

These festive citrus Christmas cookies are gorgeous, no matter how you plate them. If you want to be extra fancy, dust them with a bit of extra powdered sugar .

They look amazing on a tiered cake stand. You know? I like to arrange them on a plate with some clementines and a sprig of rosemary for that full-on holiday vibe.

They're perfect with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Or, for the adults, maybe a cheeky glass of prosecco. Honestly, whatever floats your boat! I have seen them served with christmas star cookies in a rustic wooden bowl in some of my friend's houses.

Storing Your Holiday Baking Masterpieces

These easy Christmas cookie recipes are best eaten fresh. But, life happens! If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.

They'll keep at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Just make sure they are completely cool first. Layer them in a container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

They can hang out in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost them completely before serving. And if you need to make the dough ahead of time? Wrap it tightly and you can chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Variations to spice things up

Want to mix things up a bit? You can swap out the lemon zest for orange zest for a totally different vibe, creating some vibrant citrus Christmas cookies .

Or, add a pinch of cardamom to the dough for a warm, spicy kick. Want a richer, nuttier cookie? Add a few drops of almond extract.

Feel like adapting it a little bit?

dairy-free : Swap the butter for a plant based alternative.
gluten-free : Use a gluten-free flour blend. But check the baking time!

Nutrition Stuff (but don't stress it!)

Let's be real, these are festive lemon treats ! Don't obsess over the numbers. Each cookie is about 120 calories (rough estimate).

They contain some carbs, fats, and a little bit of protein. The real benefit? They bring joy! Plus, the lemon juice gives you a little dose of Vitamin C, which is always a bonus during the winter months.

So, there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs to make your Christmas cookies lemon truly special. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

This is all about holiday baking , after all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My christmas cookies lemon dough is too sticky. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Sticky dough is a common baking woe! This usually happens when there's too much liquid or not enough flour. First, resist the urge to add more liquid. Instead, gradually add a tablespoon or two of flour until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.

Make sure you chill the dough for at least the recommended time this will help firm it up and make it easier to handle. Consider the humidity too, if its high, add a bit more flour.

My lemon Christmas cookies spread out too much while baking. How do I stop this?

Spreading is a baker's nightmare, a bit like a melted snowman! This is often caused by the butter being too warm or not chilling the dough sufficiently. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, not melted.

More importantly, ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled for at least 45 minutes, and even longer if you have time. You can even chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before baking for extra insurance.

Can I make these christmas cookies lemon ahead of time, and how should I store them?

Absolutely! Baking ahead is a great way to ease holiday stress. You can bake the cookies a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the baked cookies (unglazed) for up to a month.

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

I don't have any lemons! Can I substitute another citrus fruit in these lemon christmas cookies?

While lemon provides a specific bright flavor, you can definitely experiment! Orange zest and juice would be a lovely substitute, giving a slightly sweeter and less tart result. Lime zest and juice would also work for a slightly more tropical twist. Just use the same amounts as the lemon called for in the recipe.

Think of it as your own festive citrus remix!

Are there any ways to make these lemon Christmas cookies healthier without sacrificing the taste?

You bet! You can reduce the sugar content slightly by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (though this may affect the texture, so experiment carefully). Substituting whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour will add fiber.

Also, consider using a lighter glaze, opting for a simple drizzle of lemon juice thinned with a touch of water instead of the powdered sugar glaze, or simply omit the glaze altogether!