Lemon White Chocolate Cookies
Lemon White Chocolate Cookies combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon zest and juice with creamy, sweet white chocolate chunks. These cookies offer a perfectly chewy texture with slightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible treat ideal for any occasion. Quick and simple to prepare with common ingredients, they deliver a burst of citrus freshness balanced by rich sweetness.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free with gluten-free flour substitution; otherwise standard recipe contains gluten
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or chunks
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution for consistent rising of the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes, creating a soft tender crumb.
- Add Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla: Mix in the egg, freshly grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined, infusing the dough with aromatic citrus and warmth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and resulting in dense cookies.
- Fold in White Chocolate: Gently fold white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate pieces into the dough, distributing creamy sweetness throughout every bite.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to control spreading and enhance texture and flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest by zesting lemons just before use to capture the brightest citrus oils.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and improve texture.
- Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked for a chewy result.
- Use good-quality white chocolate for a creamy melt and rich flavor.
- Spoon and level flour when measuring to avoid dry, crumbly cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Lemon cookies, white chocolate cookies, chewy cookies, citrus desserts, easy baking, lemon white chocolate