These lemon poppy seed cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a refreshing twist on traditional cookies and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up poppy seeds and lemon zest. Poppy seeds add a unique texture and flavor, and lemon zest provides an extra burst of citrusy goodness. Make sure to grab fresh lemons for the zest and juice.
Ingredients For Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a tender texture.
Lemon zest: Provides a concentrated lemon flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy taste to the cookies and the glaze.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Poppy seeds: Add a subtle crunch and unique flavor.
Powdered sugar: Used to make the sweet, tangy glaze.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the lemon zest, use a microplane grater to ensure you get fine, aromatic zest without the bitter white pith. This will enhance the lemon flavor in your cookies and make them more fragrant.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cookies denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can mimic the acidity, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg for a vegan alternative.
poppy seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds provide a similar texture and nutritional benefits.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut powdered sugar: Coconut powdered sugar is a less processed alternative with a slight coconut flavor.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar can provide the necessary acidity, though it will change the flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How To Store or Freeze These Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture and don't become soggy.
Place the cookies in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This is especially important if you've drizzled them with the lemon glaze.
Store the container at room temperature. These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness. They can be frozen for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature. If you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
If you plan to freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
To bake from frozen, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Remember, the lemon glaze can be added after thawing or baking the cookies. This ensures the glaze remains fresh and vibrant.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the lemon poppy seed cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just heated through. This method helps maintain their crisp edges and soft centers.
If you’re in a hurry, use a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the cookies to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them rubbery.
For a slightly unconventional method, use a toaster oven. Set it to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the cookies on a tray and heat for about 5 minutes. This method is quick and helps retain the cookies' delightful texture.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t overcook. This method is great for achieving a crispy exterior.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is gentle and helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
Essential Tools for Baking These Cookies
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature, ensuring they cook evenly.
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough on for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent cookies from sticking.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix the ingredients together.
Whisk: Helps to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Electric mixer: Used to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and to mix in other ingredients.
Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the flour, sugar, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Small bowl: Used to mix the glaze ingredients together.
Spoon: Useful for dropping tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet.
Zester: Used to obtain the lemon zest needed for the recipe.
Citrus juicer: Helps to extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before you start baking to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time and effort when creaming the butter and sugar.
Chill dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.
Pre-make glaze: Prepare the lemon glaze while the cookies are baking to save time.
Batch baking: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 tablespoon Poppy seeds
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in poppy seeds.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
Check out these recipes too!
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe1 Hours
- Cabbage Bacon Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Butternut Squash Lentil Soup Recipe1 Hours
- Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Tomato Basil Puff Pastry Tart Recipe40 Minutes
- Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe45 Minutes
- Pear Blue Cheese Crostini Recipe20 Minutes
- Greek Salad Skewers Recipe15 Minutes
- Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe40 Minutes
- Mixed Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Berry Smoothie Bowl Recipe10 Minutes
- Mango Pudding Recipe20 Minutes
Leave a Reply