Description
These Lemon Cooler Cookies are bright and zesty treats perfect for any citrus lover. Soft and tender with a refreshing lemon flavor, they are coated in a sweet powdered sugar and lemonade Kool-Aid mixture for an extra tangy finish. Easy to make, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus zing to brighten up your cookie jar.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Coating Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon lemonade Kool-Aid powder
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and granulated sugar along with the lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add egg yolk and lemon juice: Mix in the egg yolk and lemon juice until fully combined to give the dough moisture and lemon flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overdeveloping gluten which can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking and improves flavor.
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape cookies: Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Prepare coating: While the cookies bake, mix together the powdered sugar and lemonade Kool-Aid powder in a shallow bowl.
- Coat warm cookies: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently roll each one in the powdered sugar mixture to coat fully. The warmth helps the coating stick.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the coating to set and the cookies to firm up slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon Kool-Aid powder for a different citrus flavor if desired.
- For a gluten-free option, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain soft and tender.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon cooler cookies, citrus cookies, easy lemon recipes, summer cookies, Kool-Aid cookies