Zesty Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe: A Bright Twist on Classic Treats

Crafting delectable lemon ginger cookies brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Zesty citrus and warm spices dance together in this delightful treat.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect texture balance.

Fragrant ginger adds a delightful warmth that makes these cookies irresistible.

Home bakers can easily whip up this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Each bite promises a burst of bright, spicy flavors that will make you smile.

We promise these cookies will become your new favorite afternoon companion.

Lemon Ginger Cookies: Citrusy and Spiced

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty dish that brings everyone together with its rich, cheesy goodness and satisfying layers of ground beef and crispy tater tots.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Combines classic flavors kids love – crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory beef – creating a meal that will have children asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking and cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time for family and fun.

All Ingredients for Lemon Ginger Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the lemon.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and adds a creamy flavor to the cookies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence to the cookies.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps activate the baking soda.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile of the cookies.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, delicate coating and gives the cookies a classic crackled appearance.

Lemon Ginger Cookies – Baking Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for smooth cookie action.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger

Make sure everything is blended perfectly smooth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Use an electric mixer for the best results.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Blend until everything is harmoniously combined.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Don’t overmix – keep it tender.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll the dough into adorable 1-inch balls.

Give each ball a luxurious coating of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for set edges and a delightfully crinkled top.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grab a glass of milk and dive in!

Lemon Ginger Cookies Pro Hints

• Zest fresh lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding bottled lemon juice for optimal taste.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create perfectly round cookies.
• Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smooth, even mixing and a consistent cookie texture.
• Dust cookies generously with powdered sugar just before baking for a beautiful crackled appearance and sweet finish.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, tender texture.

Variations to Try for Lemon Ginger Cookies

• Tropical Punch Cookies: Replace lemon with lime zest and add crushed pineapple for a vibrant, fruity Hawaiian-inspired cookie.
• Spiced Chai Cookies: Swap ground ginger with chai spice blend, adding cardamom and cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
• Lavender Honey Cookies: Incorporate dried lavender and replace lemon juice with honey, creating a delicate, floral undertone.
• Orange Cardamom Cookies: Use orange zest instead of lemon, mix in ground cardamom for a sophisticated Middle Eastern-inspired treat.

Lemon Ginger Cookies for Afternoon Tea

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair these lemon ginger cookies with a light citrus yogurt parfait, creating a refreshing morning treat that highlights the cookies' bright flavors.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these cookies alongside chamomile tea, letting the ginger's warmth complement the delicate tea, perfect for a sophisticated midday break.
• Dessert Plate Accent: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or use them as a garnish for lemon mousse, adding a delightful crunch and spicy-sweet dimension to your dessert presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in a cute mason jar with a ribbon, making a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and personal touch.

Lemon Ginger Cookies – Storage Basics

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in powdered sugar and baking.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• What does the lemon zest do in the recipe?

Lemon zest adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic oils that enhance the overall taste of the cookies, providing a fresh and zesty note to the ginger base.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar before baking?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar creates a beautiful crackled surface and adds a sweet, delicate coating that gives the cookies a professional bakery-style appearance and extra sweetness.

Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty lemon ginger cookies blend tangy citrus with warm spice for a delightful treat. Crumbly edges and chewy centers make these cookies a perfect companion to afternoon tea or coffee.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to 350F and lining baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger until evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar in a large bowl until achieving a light, airy texture.
4. Incorporate egg, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until well integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a soft, cohesive dough.
6. Shape dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, then delicately coat each ball with a dusting of powdered sugar.
7. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between cookies.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and distinctive crinkled surface indicating perfect doneness.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to wire cooling rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Zest the lemon carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, which can make the cookies taste harsh.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that creates a softer cookie texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid slightly to maintain proper consistency.
• Roll cookies in raw or turbinado sugar instead of powdered sugar for a more rustic, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 96 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 84 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg