Glazed Lemon Drop Cookies

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These Glazed Lemon Drop Cookies are a delightful treat, offering a burst of lemony flavor in every bite! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour*
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ½ cup of butter
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons of finely minced lemon zest (approximately the zest of 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough may seem somewhat dry and crumbly, but it should easily press together.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and gently smooth them between your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
  7. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. They should remain small and round, without spreading too much.
  8. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, gradually add the lemon juice to the powdered sugar, stirring until a smooth glaze forms and reaches a pourable consistency.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each cooled cookie.
  3. Allow the glaze to set completely before transferring the cookies to an airtight container for storage.
  4. These cookies can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for up to two months.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve these cookies as a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing snack.
  2. Arrange them on a decorative plate or platter for a charming presentation at parties, gatherings, or afternoon tea.
  3. Consider pairing them with other citrus-flavored desserts or treats for a themed dessert spread.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
  2. If storing for longer periods, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months.
  3. To prevent the cookies from sticking together during storage, consider placing parchment paper or wax paper between layers.
  4. When ready to enjoy, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

variations:

  1. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor. The poppy seeds will complement the lemon zest beautifully.
  2. Lemon Blueberry Cookies: Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the dough before rolling it into balls. The burst of juicy blueberries will add a delicious contrast to the lemony cookies.
  3. Lemon Lavender Cookies: Mix 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender buds into the cookie dough for a subtle floral aroma. Be sure to use culinary lavender specifically for cooking.
  4. Lemon Almond Cookies: Substitute ½ teaspoon of almond extract for the vanilla extract in the dough. The almond flavor pairs wonderfully with the brightness of lemon.
  5. Lemon Coconut Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a hint of sweetness and chewiness to the cookies.
  6. Gluten-Free Lemon Drop Cookies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients used are gluten-free as well.
  7. Lemon Ginger Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a zesty and slightly spicy kick. Ginger complements the citrusy flavor of lemon wonderfully.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
    • Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in equal amounts. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
    • While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without any additives.
  3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
    • The cookies should be set but not browned when done baking. They will remain small and round, with minimal spreading. Baking for around 10 minutes at 350°F usually yields the perfect texture.
  4. Can I freeze the cookie dough and bake it later?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply thaw slightly and bake as usual.
  5. Can I omit the glaze or use a different glaze?
    • Yes, you can omit the glaze if you prefer or experiment with different glazes such as a simple vanilla glaze or a lemon cream cheese glaze.
  6. How long does the glaze take to set?
    • The glaze typically sets within 15-20 minutes at room temperature. You can expedite the process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
  7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time for an event?
    • Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving to maintain its freshness and appearance.
  8. Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten allergies?
    • Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
  9. Can I add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor?
    • Yes, you can adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your preference. Adding more zest will enhance the lemon flavor of the cookies.

Enjoy the delightful lemony goodness of these Glazed Lemon Drop Cookies! They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to disappear quickly.