Lemon cookies

Lemon Cookies by Laurita: A Sweet and Refreshing Delight

Who doesn’t love the fresh aroma of lemon in a dessert? This lemon cookie recipe, affectionately named 'Cookies by Laurita', is a treat you shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re preparing for an after party, a gathering with friends, or simply want to indulge yourself, these cookies are the perfect choice. With a fluffy texture and a refreshing citrus flavor, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Your basic ingredients:

- 400 g flour
- 120 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For decoration:

- 4-5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar

Start the adventure: Preparing the cookies

1. Preparing the butter: The first step is to let the butter sit at room temperature for a few hours. It should be soft, not melted, to incorporate easily into the sugar mixture. Once it reaches the desired temperature, cut it into cubes and place it in a large bowl.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Add the sugar over the cubed butter. Use a mixer to combine the two ingredients well until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. It’s very important to mix enough to incorporate air, which will help the cookies be light and airy.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step will ensure a uniform texture.

4. Flavoring: Use a microplane to zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the white part, which can be bitter. Add the lemon zest to the butter and egg mixture, then squeeze the lemon well to obtain the juice. Add the juice to the mixture and stir to combine the flavors.

5. Mixing the flour: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. These ingredients are essential for achieving a well-structured dough. Add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is homogenized.

6. Chilling the dough: Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bowl and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential as chilling will help the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.

7. Shaping the cookies: The next day, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and break off small pieces to form balls. These should not be too large, as they will spread slightly during baking.

8. Coating in sugar: Rolling the balls in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar will give them an attractive appearance and a delicious texture. Make sure each ball is well coated.

9. Baking: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they will spread. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until they become lightly golden at the edges.

10. Cooling: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. This step is important to prevent the cookies from breaking.

Useful tips:

- Ingredients: Use quality butter, as it significantly influences the final taste of the cookies. Also, choose fresh lemons for a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding ingredients like ground nuts, white chocolate, or even herbs to give your cookies an extra dimension.
- Serving: These cookies are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

These lemon cookies are not only delicious but also have some nutritional benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system. Additionally, butter adds a dose of healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can experiment with natural or alternative sweeteners, but you may need to adjust the proportions to achieve the desired result.
2. How can I store the cookies? These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
3. Can they be made without eggs? Yes, you can use an egg substitute like banana puree or yogurt, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Enjoy every bite of these lemon cookies, which perfectly combine sweetness with a hint of acidity, offering a refreshing taste. It’s a simple and quick recipe but with a big impact on the taste buds. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and tell them the story behind it!

 Ingredients: 400 g flour 120 g butter 100 g sugar 2 eggs 1 lemon plus lemon zest 1 packet baking powderAdditional: 4-5 tablespoons granulated sugar 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar

 Tags:  lemon cookies