Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances tangy freshness, tender crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness, then the Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This delightful treat combines the creamy richness of full-fat cottage cheese with zesty lemon flavors, resulting in cookies that are soft, moist, and simply bursting with sunshine. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or impressing guests at a brunch, these cookies have a way of stealing the spotlight and warming hearts with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a critical role in delivering the beautiful texture, flavor, and aroma that make these cookies so irresistible. From the creamy cottage cheese adding moisture and richness to the fresh lemon juice and zest providing that bright zing, every component works in harmony.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookies that forms their tender structure without being too dense.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, pillowy texture.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift to ensure the perfect crumb.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness and lemon flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Sweetens and helps create a sparkling sugar crust on each cookie.
• Full-fat cottage cheese, well-drained (1 cup): Brings incredible moisture and a slight tang for depth of flavor.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
• Lemon zest (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon optional): Bursts of citrus oil deliver an uplifting aroma and flavor punch.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons more for glaze): Adds that fresh, bright acidity that balances out the sweetness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): Creates a silky smooth glaze that enhances appearance and adds a sweet finishing touch.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Having everything ready at this stage ensures a smooth baking process without any last-minute scrambling.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, which is key for uniform texture and flavor in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that contribute to the cookie’s soft and tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the well-drained cottage cheese to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until smooth. Then mix in the egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. These ingredients combine to give the dough its creamy texture and vibrant citrus character.

Step 5: Unite Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing at this stage as it can make the cookies tough instead of tender and delicate.

Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. To achieve that delightful sugar-crusted exterior, roll each dough ball in the additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing lets the cookies expand and bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 11 to 13 minutes. You’ll want to watch for edges that are set while the centers still maintain a slight softness. Overbaking can dry them out, so pulling them from the oven at just the right moment is the secret to perfectly moist cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest to create a smooth, pourable glaze that will be drizzled over the cookies.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over each one and let the glaze set before serving. This zesty finishing touch adds an irresistible shiny coating that makes these cookies look as amazing as they taste.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation by sprinkling a tiny pinch of extra lemon zest over the glazed cookies just before serving. Edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar also add an elegant touch that is sure to impress friends and family.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair brilliantly with a hot cup of herbal tea or a fresh glass of lemonade. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream to balance the lemon’s bright acidity.

Creamy Ways to Present

For a creative twist, arrange these cookies on a platter with dollops of whipped ricotta or cream cheese topped with a drizzle of honey. This combination complements the tender cookies and adds a luxurious texture contrast that will have everyone raving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Keeping them away from direct sunlight preserves their vibrant lemon flavor and delicate texture perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Reheating

To gently warm your cookies without sacrificing their soft texture, microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid overheating as this can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta in this recipe?

Yes, ricotta can be a great substitute and will still provide that moist, tender texture. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your dough.

How important is it to use fresh lemon zest and juice?

Fresh lemon zest and juice are key for achieving the bright, natural lemon flavor that defines this recipe. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same fresh intensity, so using fresh is highly recommended.

Do I need to drain the cottage cheese before using it?

Absolutely. Draining the cottage cheese removes excess moisture that could make the dough too wet and impact the cookie’s texture and baking time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Just keep an eye on dough consistency and baking times as they may vary.

Is the glaze necessary or can I skip it?

The glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the cookie’s flavor beautifully, but if you prefer a simpler cookie, you can certainly enjoy them without it. They are delicious either way!

Final Thoughts

These Cottage Cheese Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe truly bring sunshine and comfort to every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the magic of light, tangy, and fluffy cookies that are surprisingly easy to make. Once you do, they’ll surely become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire just like they are in mine!

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