A lemony sweet treat on Day 5 of The 12 Cookies of Christmas.
As I mentioned in the Brownie Almond Biscotti recipe, I purchased a Taste of Home- Cookies and More booklet which I used to find some of my recipes for my cookie swap. This is another recipe from that book.
As I was flipping through (a half dozen times), I kept coming back to these Lemon Drop Cookies. I make a few different lemon cookies, one being a Lemonade Drop and the other being the Lemon Ricotta Cookie and wasn't sure if I wanted a lemon cookie to the swap. The ingredient that kept pulling me back was the lemon drop candies. Jeff's dad, Joe, passed away in August and he was one of our biggest foodie fans. He had a sweet tooth (like mine) and enjoyed Lemon Drops. The cookie reminded me of Joe. So, I decided he would attend the swap in a different presence.
This recipe has a sugar cookie flavor but has a delicate lemony crunch from the candy. Jeff's mom really enjoyed the cookies, this being her favorite one to date. I loved the sweet and tartness of the cookie and at one point thought of dipping them in confectioner's sugar, almost like a lemon cooler.
These are a delicate, delicious cookie which would pair well with a glass of Riesling, some hot tea or even a glass of limoncella. Flip it to summer and it would be fantastic with an ice cold lemonade. Either way, this is a great addition for this year's Christmas Cookie list.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of butter, softened
3/4 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon of half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel
1-1/2 cups of flour
1/2 cup of finely crushed lemon drops
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Preparation:
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, cream and peel.
3. Combine the flour, lemon drops, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 3 in. apart onto greased baking sheets.
5. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
6. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.
Makes about 3-1/2 dozen.
