It is just for flavoring so I doubt it would ruin the texture.

Add vanilla instead....but I think the lemon zest really adds soemthing....make lemonade with the juice or chicken picatta.
Linda C

I keep several packages of European Orange Zest and Lemon Zest in the freezer. These are available from King Arthur Flour, very convenient to use and far superior in flavor than using most fresh citrus.

I also keep European Candied Orange Peel and Lemon Peel in the freezer. Both the zest and peel ingredients add the "mmmmm" to plain cookies, muffins, or scones with an unexpected citrus taste that certainly brightens the flavor of the baked goods.

The addition of Orange Zest to the Kansas Wheat Commission recipe for Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies (see link below) is almost a secret ingredient that really adds an unexpected flavor. If I want them to have an additional "something", I'll also add finely chopped candied orange peel. People always rave about the taste, and I believe it's the combination of spices and European Orange Zest and European Orange Peel. Such simple ingredients for such a superior flavor from the zest and peel.

In this recipe, if I leave the orange zest out, they simply taste like a Snickerdoodle, which is just fine. I also add the zest while mixing the butter/sugar. This helps distribute the flavor better, in my opinion.

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies/KS Wheat Comm.

Don't think it would ruin the cookies but the zest would give them such a great flavor. Buying a lemon is way worth it. -maria

You can also buy a couple of lemons, zest them, and then put the zest in sugar. Rub it in well and then again a couple of times after that to prevent clumps from the oils. This sugar can then be stored away to use in such recipes.
It is basically like vanilla sugar, but with orange or lemon flavor.
Lisa

You can substitute Amaretto or maybe Cointreau (or Grand Marnier) for the lemon zest. I usually use Amaretto in mine, although I often use lemon zest, but then I have a lemon tree and most often have lemons.

When you do have lemons, you can freeze the rinds for later use. Are lemons expensive where you are?

Lars

Well price isn't the issue, it's more inconvenient because I never have them on hand, I just use Real Lemon juice when I need the juice. I think I'll just get one and zest the whole thing and freeze it. It probably will taste best with it.

Thanks!

I agree, it's a flavor thing but lemon zest adds a wonderful flavor to sugar cookies. Of course, I love anything lemon.

I have some orange and lemon zest in containers in my freezer and I have the dried orange and lemon zest from Penzey's, which smells heavenly just removing the lid.

So, if you use much citrus zest (or any at all, maybe), places like Penzey's has it in dehydrated form. Just make sure it's good stuff, though, I bought some cheap stuff once at the grocery store and it was horrid.

Well, maybe not HORRID, as it didn't have much flavor at all.

Annie

Try adding 1/2 tsp nutmeg instead. You'll be surprised at the flavor.

I bet nutmeg would be delicious. Probably cinnamon, too.

I love the idea of saving the peel. I love lemons so often have a few around but this is a good idea.