Lemon and sour cream cookies

Lemon and Cream Cookies – An Unforgettable Recipe

In search of a quick and delicious dessert, lemon and cream cookies are an excellent choice that will bring a touch of freshness at any time of the day. This recipe, from the famous book "Biscuits & Slices" by Australian Women's Weekly, has become one of my favorites, not only because of its delightful flavors but also due to the slightly crunchy texture combined with the creaminess of the cream. Let's embark on this delightful journey of making these enchanting cookies together!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Necessary ingredients:
- 125 g margarine (recommended Unirea for a creamy texture)
- 150 g sugar (approximately 3/4 cup)
- 200 g flour (approximately 1 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- Candied citrus peel for decoration

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: First, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will make mixing easier and help achieve a uniform texture. Measure the ingredients accurately, especially the flour and sugar, for the best results.

2. Melting the margarine: In a medium bowl, melt the margarine over low heat or in the microwave. It is essential not to let it boil, but just to melt completely. This step will help create a creamy base for the cookies.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Add the sugar to the melted margarine and mix well with a whisk or spatula until the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous. This mixture will provide the necessary sweetness and wonderful flavor to the cookies.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and add the grated lemon zest. This will help eliminate any lumps and infuse the dough with the fresh citrus aroma. Add the flour mixture to the margarine and sugar mixture, stirring gently.

5. Adding cream and lemon juice: Incorporate the cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the dough. This step will add a note of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect combination. Mix until all ingredients are well integrated.

6. Preparing the cookies: Using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a cut corner, pipe the cookies onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Choose a star shape for a festive look, but feel free to experiment with different shapes – hearts, circles, or whatever comes to mind!

7. Decorating: Sprinkle the candied citrus peel on top of each cookie. This will not only add an attractive appearance but also an intensified citrus aroma.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cookies for about 8 minutes or until the edges start to brown. It is essential not to leave them in the oven too long, as they will continue to bake after being removed.

9. Cooling: Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. This step will help maintain their tender texture.

Useful tips:
- You can substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor, but make sure to maintain the proportions.
- If you don't have cream, consider using Greek yogurt as an alternative, which will add a note of acidity and keep the cookies moist.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are so delicious that they might not last that long!

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain carbohydrates from sugar and flour, but also healthy fats from margarine or butter. Thanks to the cream, they are rich in calcium, and the lemon adds a boost of vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system.

Possible variations:
- You can add a few drops of vanilla extract for a more complex flavor.
- Replace lemon zest with orange or lime zest to experiment with different flavors.
- Add chopped nuts or white chocolate for a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the cookies will have a slightly different texture and a more pronounced flavor.

2. What drinks pair best with these cookies?
A lemon tea or a cold lemonade would be perfect, enhancing the citrus flavor of the cookies.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before baking them. Make sure to let them thaw at room temperature before baking.

Lemon and cream cookies are an ideal choice for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings or simply to treat yourself after a long day. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 125 g margarine (I used Unirea) 2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest 3/4 cup sugar (150 g) 1 1/2 cup flour (200 g) 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice candied citrus peel

 Tags:  cookies sour cream