Nothing says Christmas quite like baking delicious treats to share with loved ones. In the spirit of the season, we bring you a delightful German Christmas baking recipe that is sure to become a holiday favorite – Butterplätzchen Mit Glasierter Zitrone, also known as Butter Cookies With Glazed Lemon. These buttery cookies with a hint of tangy lemon icing are perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire.
**Butter Cookies With Glazed Lemon**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 egg yolks
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– Zest of 1 lemon
**For the Lemon Glaze:**
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– Optional: yellow food coloring for a festive touch
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg yolks to the butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the lemon zest to infuse the dough with a refreshing citrus fragrance.
5. Shape the cookie dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough – traditional stars, hearts, or Christmas trees work wonderfully for this recipe.
9. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
**For the Lemon Glaze:**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and glossy.
2. If desired, add a drop of yellow food coloring to the glaze for a vibrant lemon hue.
3. Once the cookies are cool, drizzle or brush the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie.
4. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving the cookies.
These Butter Cookies With Glazed Lemon are a lovely combination of rich buttery flavor and zesty citrus notes that are sure to brighten up any holiday spread. They also make delightful gifts when packaged in pretty tins or boxes tied with festive ribbons. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and create some sweet memories in the kitchen with this delicious German Christmas baking recipe. Enjoy the magic of the season with each batch of these delightful treats!
