Meet Citrus Sunshine Cookies: a burst of zesty joy in every bite. With the bright flavors of lemon and orange, these cookies are perfect for adding a splash of sunshine to any day.
Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve that tender cookie texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in creating a slight crispness on the edges.
Egg: Binds everything together, adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile, bringing out the citrus notes.
Lemon zest and orange zest: These are the stars of the show, packing a punch of citrusy goodness and aroma.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie, balancing the wet and dry ingredients.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a little lift, keeping them light and soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh lemon juice and fresh orange juice: Add a burst of citrus flavor and moisture, making each bite refreshing.
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a simple lemon or orange sorbet. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, which complements the citrus notes beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. It's important to mix thoroughly here to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Now, stir in the lemon zest and orange zest. These little bits of zest will infuse the dough with an incredible citrus aroma.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make cookies tough.
Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice and orange juice until incorporated. The dough might look slightly wet, but that’s what gives these cookies their unique texture.
Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up slightly while remaining deliciously chewy inside.
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