Lemon Butter Cookies

These lemon butter cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of buttery goodness with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a family meal, these cookies are sure to impress with their light yet indulgent texture. The recipe is a wonderful way to bring a bit of sunshine into your home, no matter the season. The golden exterior gives way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior that's subtly sweet with a refreshing citrus kick. Using simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens, these cookies are both accessible and impressive. They are great for sharing at gatherings or as homemade gifts. The process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Pair these cookies with a cup of your favorite tea or a cold glass of milk. With their delicate balance of sweet and tangy, they offer a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 400 g flour
• 3 eggs
• 200 g butter
• 150 ml milk
• 1 lemon
• 160 g sugar

Spices

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Preparation Time

Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: Start by whipping the soft butter with half of the sugar and the egg yolks until it's light and smooth.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix half of the flour with the baking powder.
3. Combine with Butter Mixture: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring continuously.
4. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk and continue to mix until well combined.
5. Add Lemon Zest: Grate the lemon zest and fold it into the dough for a burst of citrus flavor.
6. Integrate Remaining Flour: Add the remaining flour to form a smooth, pliable dough.
7. Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.
8. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dough, taking care not to deflate them.
9. Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a baking dish with fat, ensuring every corner is well-coated.
10. Fill the Pan: Spoon the dough into the prepared baking dish, leveling the top for even baking.
11. Preheat Oven: Turn your oven to 200 degrees Celsius to ensure it's ready for baking.
12. Bake Cookies: Place the dish in the oven, and bake until the cookies are light brown on the surface, approximately 20-25 minutes.
13. Check Doneness: Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cookies. If it comes out clean, your cookies are ready.
14. Cool Down: Transfer the cookies onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
15. Serve: Once cooled, serve the cookies with a tea or coffee.
16. Store: Store in an airtight container if not consumed immediately to maintain freshness.
17. Garnish with Lemon: After cooling, you might add a thin slice of lemon or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.
18. Enjoy Your Cookies: Enjoy the cookies' melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of lemon freshness.
19. Pairing Suggestion: These cookies are wonderfully complemented by a hot tea or a fresh glass of lemonade.
20. Repeat and Share: Make another batch to share with friends and family!

Tips

• Butter Softness: Ensure the butter is soft for easy mixing; remove from the fridge about an hour before starting.
• Flour Measurement: For best results, avoid scooping flour directly with the measuring cup as it can compact the flour. Instead, spoon the flour into the cup and level it with a knife.
• Egg Whites: Make sure no egg yolk gets into the whites, as it will prevent them from whipping up properly.
• Baking Powder Substitute: If you don't have baking powder, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar as a substitute.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
• Protein: 3 g
• Fats: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Use plant-based butter and almond milk instead of dairy.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with: A cup of Earl Grey tea or a frothy mocha
• Side Dish: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the flavor

Best Places for Lemon Treats

• Lemon Heaven Cafe - Renowned for its citrus desserts and cozy atmosphere. Location: 123 Citrus Lane, Brisbane, Australia.
• Lemon Delight Bistro - Offers a wide selection of lemon pastries in a lush garden setting. Location: 45 Zest Avenue, Napa Valley, USA.
• Sweet Lemon Bakery - Famous for their lemon-infused doughnuts and cookies. Location: 10 Sunshine Blvd, Toronto, Canada.
• Citron Bliss Patisserie - A chic bakery that specializes in French lemon pastries. Location: 555 Rue de Citron, Paris, France.
• Lemonlicious Cafe - Known for creative lemon dessert twists in a rustic vibe. Location: 22 Citrus St., Auckland, New Zealand.
• Citrus Twist Cafe - Offers a classic lemon cake with a modern presentation. Location: 89 Orchard Rd, Singapore.
• Lemon Grove Bakery - Offers a diverse menu of lemon cakes and pastries. Location: 300 Main Street, London, UK.
• Sunny Lemon Spot - A lively cafe serving refreshing lemonades alongside pastries. Location: 75 Sunshine Circle, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Zesty Lemon Locale - Artisan bakery celebrated for its tangy lemon muffins. Location: 23 Citrus Lane, New York City, USA.
• The Lemon Tree Cafe - Known for its variety of citrus desserts and delightful ambiance. Location: 34 Lemon Tree Road, Dublin, Ireland.