Are you ready to elevate your tea time experience with a burst of citrusy flavor? Look no further than these delightful Lemon Tea Cookies! Infused with the zesty essence of lemon and adorned with a creamy filling, these cookies are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create these irresistible treats that are sure to brighten your day with each blissful bite.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for flouring
- 3 tablespoons milk or cream
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 3/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 drops yellow food coloring, optional
Instructions:
1. Making the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
2. Rolling and Cutting the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
3. Baking the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Making the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon extract, orange zest, powdered sugar, and optional food coloring.
- Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with additional powdered sugar if needed.
5. Assembling the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a dollop of filling onto the bottom side of half of the cookies.
- Sandwich the filled cookies with the remaining plain cookies, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Serving:
- Serve the Lemon Tea Cookies with your favorite hot or cold beverage for a delightful treat.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Almond Variation: Add a touch of almond extract to the cookie dough for a subtle almond flavor that complements the citrusy notes.
- Lemon Zest Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated lemon zest on top of the filled cookies for a decorative touch and added citrus aroma.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make keto-friendly Lemon Tea Cookies, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the filling, and omit the food coloring or use a natural food coloring option.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the same instructions as the keto version, but you can also reduce the amount of sweetener used in the filling to lower the carb content further. Additionally, you can skip the filling altogether and enjoy the cookies plain or with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Q: Can I omit the lemon extract in the cookie dough? A: While the lemon extract adds a burst of citrus flavor, you can omit it if desired or substitute it with another extract such as almond or vanilla.
Q: How should I store leftover cookies? A: Store leftover Lemon Tea Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Lemon Tea Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery cookie goodness and zesty lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a relaxing afternoon or shared with friends at a brunch gathering, these cookies are sure to brighten your day and lift your spirits. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a taste of citrusy bliss with these irresistible cookies!
Satisfy your sweet cravings with the sunny flavors of Lemon Tea Cookies. From their delicate texture to their vibrant taste, these cookies are a true delight for the senses!
