Imagine a delicate, buttery cookie that transports you to an elegant British afternoon tea, bursting with bright, refreshing lemon flavor. These Lemon High Tea Cookies are not just a treat; they're a culinary experience that combines the sophistication of traditional British baking with a tantalizing citrus twist. Perfect for tea parties, afternoon snacks, or those moments when you crave something extraordinary, these cookies promise to elevate your baking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Beat for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. The zest will provide intense citrus aroma and flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra elegance.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect creamy base for your cookies.
- Zest Technique: When zesting lemons, only remove the bright yellow outer layer. Avoid the white pith, which can add bitterness to your cookies.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilled dough prevents cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain their shape.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Watch Carefully: Cookies can quickly go from perfectly golden to overbrowned. Start checking at the 12-minute mark.
- Cooling Technique: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to a month for longer preservation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 138kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 17mg
