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–+ servings
Lemon Cookies
These Lemon Cookies are a timeless classic from the Betty Crocker collection, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With freshly grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and crunchy nuts, these cookies deliver a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a burst of citrus brightness in every bite. Rolled in powdered sugar, they have a delicate, festive appearance, making them ideal for tea parties, holidays, and anytime indulgence.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup shortening
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon rind (grated )
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped )
  • powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cream Ingredients

  • Cream together shortening, sugar, and grated lemon rind until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in egg, lemon juice, and water until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Step 5: Stir in Nuts

  • Fold in chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

  • Form dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
  • Place 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake for 10–15 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden on top.

Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar

  • Remove from oven and immediately roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
  • Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips

  • Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm for best coating (as indicated on the card)
  • Add extra grated lemon rind for a stronger lemon flavor
  • Substitute part of the shortening with butter for richer taste
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll
  • Press a nut on top before baking if desired (mentioned on card)
  • For extra zing, drizzle a light lemon glaze instead of powdered sugar
  • Use parchment if you prefer instead of ungreased pans
  • Light golden edges = done; avoid over-baking to keep them tender

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword bake sale favorite, betty crocker, citrus dessert, family recipe, lemon cookies, old-fashioned cookies, powdered sugar cookies, vintage recipe
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