Lemon Mint Sugar Cookies with Fresh Herbs and Citrus Zest
These soft sugar cookies blend bright lemon zest and fresh mint for a refreshing twist on the classic treat. The combination of citrus and herbs creates a light, aromatic flavor that's perfect for spring gatherings or afternoon tea. The dough chills for easy rolling and cutting, resulting in tender cookies with crisp edges. Fresh mint leaves are finely chopped and mixed directly into the dough, while lemon juice and zest provide vibrant citrus notes throughout each bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
- 2
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or by hand
- 3
Add egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped mint and mix well
- 4
Add flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until combined
- 5
Form dough into a ball and flatten into a disc shape
- 6
Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes
- 7
Roll dough to quarter-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes
- 8
Place shaped cookies on prepared cookie sheet
- 9
Bake for 11 minutes for soft cookies, or 12-13 minutes for crispier texture
Tips
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make rolling and cutting easier and prevent spreading during baking
Finely chop mint leaves to distribute flavor evenly without large pieces that could affect texture
Use room temperature egg for better incorporation and smoother dough consistency
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated, or shaped cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months
Serve at room temperature with tea or coffee, or as a light dessert
Common Mistakes
Do not overbake to avoid hard, dry cookies
Chill dough adequately to prevent excessive spreading during baking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint is recommended for best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon dried mint as a substitute, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, wrap the dough disc tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months before rolling and baking.