Festive Hanukkah Lemon Christmas

Bright, zesty cookies that blend the joyful flavors of lemon and holiday spices, perfect for celebrating Hanukkah or Christmas alike. These soft, glazed cookies are a delightful addition to any festive table.

I remember making these cookies with my sister during a snowy December. The lemon zest filled the kitchen with a fresh, festive aroma, and decorating them together added so much joy to our afternoon.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
• Unsalted butter, softened: 3/4 cup (170 g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
• Egg: 1 large
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Zest of lemons: Zest of 2 lemons
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (for glaze): 2 3 tbsp
• Milk: 1 tbsp
• Blue and white sprinkles or edible glitter: Optional, for decoration

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Cream Butter & Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

Scoop Dough:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Bake:

Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare Glaze:

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth and pourable.

Glaze Cookies:

When cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread glaze over each cookie. Immediately add sprinkles if desired.

Set & Serve:

Allow glaze to set before serving or storing.

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Our whole family gathers to decorate these cookies after dinner, turning the kitchen into a sparkle of sprinkles and laughter. It’s a tradition that everyone, from kids to grandparents, looks forward to each year.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or hand whisk, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs. Substitute plant-based butter and milk, and use a gluten-free flour blend for allergen-free options. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Calories: 120, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 1 g

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Enjoy these festive cookies with a warm drink and good company. The citrus glaze and holiday sprinkles make every bite feel special.

Recipe FAQ

→ What makes these cookies festive for holidays?

A blend of lemon, spices, and optional colorful sprinkles creates a cheerful, celebratory treat for gatherings.

→ Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version while keeping cookies soft and flavorful.

→ How do I enhance the lemon flavor?

Extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract can be added for more pronounced citrus notes.

→ What is the texture of these cookies?

They are soft and tender inside, with a smooth, tangy glaze for a balanced bite.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, swap all-purpose flour for a suitable gluten-free blend, and check labels for allergen safety.