Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies

Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies Recipe - A Perfect Treat for Tea Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies are a light and refreshing treat perfect for any time of day. These cookies are bursting with lemon flavor and have a soft, cake-like texture that will leave you wanting more.

History

The recipe for Lemon Tea Cake Cookies has been passed down through generations in many families. These cookies are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a popular choice for afternoon tea or dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup softened butter
1.25 cups granulated sugar (I use 1 cup for a less sweet cookie, because you sprinkle the tops with sugar)
1 tsp lemon extract
2 eggs
1 tsp lemon zest
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt
3 tbsp buttermilk
additional sugar for sprinkling tops

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute until light. Add the sugar and lemon extract, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and lemon zest, and beat well.
In another mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the beaten mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
Drop rounded teaspoons of the batter onto a greased baking sheet.
Sprinkle with sugar and bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned on the edges.

Variations

Add poppy seeds to the batter for a twist on the classic recipe.
Drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened butter for the best texture in these cookies.

- Be sure to alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter to ensure a smooth consistency.

- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookies.

- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

These cookies are baked in the oven until lightly browned on the edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vanilla extract instead of lemon extract for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute regular milk for buttermilk if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cookies with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies are a good source of vitamin C from the lemon zest.

Alergens

These cookies contain dairy (butter, buttermilk) and eggs.

Summary

Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and essential vitamins.

Summary

Delicate Lemon Tea Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their light and fluffy texture and zesty lemon flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, much like the one we're having now. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known far and wide for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked through her door, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked lemon tea cake cookies.

Margaret welcomed me with a warm hug and a knowing smile. "I thought you might like to try these," she said, handing me a plate piled high with the delicate cookies. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The cookies were light and buttery, with just the right hint of lemon to brighten the flavor. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make them myself.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, but she refused to give it to me. "Some secrets are meant to be kept," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. But I was not one to be deterred. I spent the rest of the afternoon watching Margaret work her magic in the kitchen, taking mental notes on every step of the process.

When it was time for me to leave, Margaret handed me a small scrap of paper with the recipe scribbled on it in her elegant handwriting. "Consider this a challenge," she said. "If you can recreate these cookies to my satisfaction, I will tell you the story behind the recipe."

I accepted the challenge with gusto, eager to unlock the mystery of the delicate lemon tea cake cookies. I spent the next few weeks experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking the recipe until I felt confident that I had captured the essence of Margaret's creation.

Finally, the day came for me to present my cookies to Margaret. I arrived at her doorstep with a fresh batch still warm from the oven. Margaret took one bite and closed her eyes in delight. "You've done it," she exclaimed. "These are just as good as mine."

With a satisfied smile, Margaret settled herself in her favorite armchair and began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who was a renowned baker in her own right.

According to Margaret, the secret to the cookies' delicate texture lay in the precise combination of ingredients and the careful attention to detail in the baking process. She shared with me the tips and tricks that had been handed down through the years, ensuring that the cookies turned out perfectly every time.

As Margaret spoke, I could see the love and pride she had for this family heirloom recipe shining through. It was clear that these cookies held a special place in her heart, just as they now did in mine.

From that day on, the delicate lemon tea cake cookies became a staple in my own baking repertoire. I would make them for special occasions, sharing the recipe with friends and family who were always amazed by their light and airy texture.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I bake these cookies, they will always remind me of that warm summer day when I first discovered their magic in Margaret's kitchen.

And so, as I sit here now, enjoying a freshly baked batch of delicate lemon tea cake cookies, I am reminded of the power of a good recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful to Margaret for sharing her family's secret with me and for inspiring me to continue the tradition of baking these delicious treats for generations to come.