Lemon Tea Cookies: A Delightful Citrus Treat

Lemon Tea Cookies are a perfect blend of buttery goodness and refreshing citrus flavor. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them an ideal treat for tea parties, special occasions, or just a cozy afternoon snack. The lemon filling adds a burst of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the delicate cookie base. Follow this detailed recipe to create these delightful cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for flouring
• 3 tablespoons milk or cream

For the Filling:

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 drops yellow food coloring, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
2. Add the Egg Yolk and Extracts: Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until well combined.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Add the milk or cream and continue to mix until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Keep the other disk refrigerated until ready to use.
3. Cut Out the Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Flavorings and Sugar: Add the lemon juice, lemon extract, and grated orange zest. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and fluffy. If desired, add two drops of yellow food coloring for a bright, lemony appearance.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the lemon filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
2. Serve: Arrange the assembled cookies on a platter and serve with your favorite tea or coffee.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Tea Cookies

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
3. Even Thickness: Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Orange Twist: Replace the lemon extract and juice with orange extract and juice for a different citrus flavor.
• Herbal Infusion: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a unique twist.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: The assembled cookies can be refrigerated for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Lemon Tea Cookies are a delightful and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their buttery texture combined with the tangy lemon filling makes them irresistible. Follow this recipe to create a batch of these elegant cookies that are sure to impress your guests and loved ones.