This Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies Recipe delivers a taste of nostalgia with its simple ingredients and bright, citrusy flavor. Made with Bisquick™, these cookies are soft, tangy, and incredibly easy to bake. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart that will leave you wanting more.
Baking with a mix like Bisquick™ simplifies the process, allowing you to create homemade cookies in under an hour. These cookies are delicious on their own, without the need for frosting or glaze. The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice provide a burst of flavor that shines through in every bite.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies
This old fashioned lemon cookies recipe calls for pantry staples you likely already have:
- Unsalted Butter: Softens the cookies and adds richness.
- White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Contributes to a smooth and creamy texture.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy, citrusy flavor. Use fresh juice for the best results.
- Baking Mix (Bisquick™): The base of the dough, providing structure.
- Lemon Zest: Enhances the lemon flavor and adds aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Allow butter and cream cheese to soften to room temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and cream cheese until well combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking mix, mixing until just incorporated. Don’t overmix.
- Zest and Fold: Fold in the lemon zest using a spatula.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
- Baking Mix: Use a homemade baking mix if you prefer.
- Butter: Salted butter can be used, but may result in a slightly saltier cookie. Adjust accordingly.
- Cream Cheese: Low-fat cream cheese can be substituted for regular.
- Lemon Extract: If fresh lemons are unavailable, use lemon extract sparingly, as it has a more concentrated flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Freezing: While this recipe hasn’t been tested for freezing, baked cookies can generally be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Storage
Store these old fashioned lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
FAQ
How do you know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges turn a light golden brown.
History of Lemon Cookies
Lemon cookies have a long history, dating back to at least the 18th century. They were often made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and lemons, reflecting the resourcefulness of home bakers. This old fashioned lemon cookies recipe builds upon that tradition, using Bisquick™ for convenience while maintaining the classic flavors of lemon and butter. This recipe is inspired by vintage cookbooks, specifically a recipe for Lemon Cheese Pressed Cookies from the 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Book.
This old fashioned lemon cookies recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, flavorful treats. Enjoy a taste of the past with these easy-to-make cookies that are sure to become a family favorite.
