Lemon Logs

Lemon Logs Recipe: A Delicious Sweet Treat for the Ultimate Foodie Experience

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Lemon Logs are a delightful and tangy dessert that are perfect for any occasion. These sweet treats are bursting with lemon flavor and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of buttery cookie dough, crunchy pecans, and zesty lemon peel make these cookies a truly irresistible treat.

History

Lemon Logs have been a popular dessert for many years, with their origins dating back to traditional European baking. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic cookie. Lemon Logs are often enjoyed during the holiday season, but they are delicious any time of year.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
3 oz (85 g) cream cheese
1 egg yolk
2.5 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate bits
Non-pareils

How to prepare

In a bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar.
Beat in the egg yolk.
Stir in the flour, nuts, salt, and lemon peel.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
Shape the dough into logs, approximately 3 inches by 0.75 inch.
Place the logs on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 325° F until lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to cool.
Melt the chocolate bits in a double boiler.
Dip one end of each cookie bar into the melted chocolate, and then into the non-pareils.
Place the cookies on wax paper to allow the chocolate to set.

Variations

For a different flavor, try using orange or lime zest instead of lemon peel.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cookies for a sweet finish.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and be easier to work with.

- When shaping the dough into logs, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry and lose their soft texture.

- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a little extra lemon peel to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Logs are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Lemon Logs is to refrigerate the dough before shaping it into logs. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans on hand, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. You can also substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Lemon Logs ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Lemon Logs on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a beautiful presentation. You can also package them in a gift box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon Logs pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. They also go well with fruity desserts like lemon bars or berry tarts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Lemon Logs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Logs contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Logs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Logs contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Logs contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Logs are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the lemon peel used in the recipe. They also contain small amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

Lemon Logs contain nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter, cream cheese), so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Lemon Logs are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a small amount of essential nutrients. However, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

Summary

Lemon Logs are a classic dessert that are perfect for any occasion. With their buttery cookie base, crunchy pecans, and zesty lemon flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious baked treats. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most heavenly aroma of lemons and sugar.

Mrs. Jenkins had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of her famous Lemon Logs. The delicate cookies were rolled in powdered sugar and filled with tangy lemon filling. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a sunny garden filled with citrus trees. The flavors were bright and refreshing, and I knew I had to learn how to make these myself.

Mrs. Jenkins laughed as she saw the look of determination on my face. She handed me a handwritten recipe card and told me that the secret to her Lemon Logs was in the quality of the lemons. She explained that she always used fresh, organic lemons from her own garden, and that this was what gave the cookies their unique flavor.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to try making the Lemon Logs at home. As soon as I got back to my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients and got to work. The recipe was surprisingly simple, but I soon discovered that the key was in the technique.

I carefully zested the lemons, being sure to only take the yellow part of the peel and not the bitter white pith. I squeezed the lemons to extract their juice, and I was amazed by how much brighter and fresher it tasted than store-bought lemon juice.

I mixed the lemon zest and juice with butter, sugar, and eggs to create a creamy filling. I then rolled out the dough and spread the filling on top before rolling it into a log shape. I sliced the logs into individual cookies and baked them until they were golden and crisp.

The moment I took a bite of my homemade Lemon Logs, I knew that I had done Mrs. Jenkins proud. The cookies were just as delicious as hers, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends.

Over the years, I made the Lemon Logs countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, and it became a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. My grandchildren would always request them whenever they came to visit, and I loved seeing their faces light up as they bit into the tangy cookies.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of sea salt to make the flavors even more complex. I experimented with different types of lemons, from Meyer to Eureka, and even tried substituting other citrus fruits like oranges and limes.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the original Lemon Logs recipe remained my favorite. It was a reminder of that sunny day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, of the joy of learning something new and delicious, and of the simple pleasure of sharing a homemade treat with loved ones.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Lemon Logs, I think of all the memories and stories that have been shared around the kitchen table. I am grateful for all the people who have inspired me and passed down their knowledge, and I hope that my own recipes will bring joy and nourishment to others for years to come.