Lemon Poppy-Seed Cookies

Thanksgiving is over, and Christmas is just a few weeks away. Now that the rush to get ready for Christmas has begun, I hope that, between the holiday shopping, parties and social engagements, you will some time to remember what Christmas is really all about. It’s not about rushing around and buying gifts, it’s about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and about love and family.  And for me, one of the ways I show that love for my friends and family is by making cookies.  So, I hope that this year, you will take some time from your busy schedule, and make cookies.

 

Cookies are one of life’s little pleasures. They’re a nice treat with a cup of coffee, and a delightful reward after dinner when your busy day is done. There is something wonderfully soothing about making cookies for me; I feel productive and happy all at the same time. Making cookies is also a wonderful activity you can enjoy with your children or grandchildren, and doing so will provide you with cherished memories. So, instead of buying cookies from the store, spend a little time in your kitchen and make some home made treats for your family and friends! I’m ready to get my apron on, are you?

 

These cookies provide a burst of lemony flavor with poppy seeds for crunch. Use the larger amount of lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor. The combination of sugar and lemon zest to roll the cookies in is delightful!

Download the Cover for your book here: cover

And here is the pdf of the recipe: Dec 2

 

Lemon-Poppy Seed Cookies

 

Diff: Easy   Prep: 25 min

Cook: 12-14 min     Makes: 2 ½ dozen

 

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

  • 3-4 ½ teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest (2-3 lemons)

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp. baking powder

  • ½ tsp. coarse salt (I used Himalayan Pink Salt)

  • 1 ½ cups sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds (for sprinkling)

  • 5-10 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Directions:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350°

  • Bring lemon juice to simmer in a small pan on stove on medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half. (If not reduced enough, you will need to add more flour, resulting in a sandier cookie).

  • Add ½ cup butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and set aside.

  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, set this aside also.

  • Put the remaining ½ cup butter and 1 cup of the sugar into bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until light and creamy.

  • Add egg and the lemon butter, mix for 3 minutes.

  • Mix in vanilla, 2-3 tsp. of the lemon zest and yellow food coloring.

  • On low speed, mix in the flour and ¼ cup of the poppy seeds until well combined.

  • Stir together the remaining ½ cup sugar and 1 ½ tsp. lemon zest in a small bowl.

  • Roll dough into small 1¼ inch balls, then roll these in the lemon-sugar mixture.

  • Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets.

  • Press each ball down with the bottom of a glass dipped into lemon-sugar mixture until ¼ inch thick.

  • Sprinkle each cookie with additional poppy seeds, if desired.

  • Bake cookies until just browned around the bottom edges, about 12-14 minutes.

  • Remove and let cool completely on wire racks.

  • Cookies will keep in an airtight container about a week or can be frozen.

 

These delightfully citrus-y cookies are a staple on my Christmas cookie platter and are quickly munched down by both my husband and me. I hope you will like them as much as we do!

 

Until next week, wishing you all of God’s blessings, good health and happy eating!

 

Smiles,

Maria

 

 

Tags: Christmas Cookies, Cookies, Desserts, Lemon, Lemon zest, , Snacks

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