Lemon-mint cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

100 grams (3.5 ounces) soft butter
200 grams (7 ounces) flour
80 grams (2.8 ounces) starch
70 grams (2.5 ounces) sugar
1 egg (approximately 50 grams or 1.75 ounces)
1 egg yolk (approximately 20 grams or 0.7 ounces)
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
vanillin to taste
zest of 1 lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon or 6 grams)
2 sprigs mint (approximately 4 grams or 0.15 ounces, finely chopped)

Glaze

2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 milliliters or 1 fluid ounce)
3 tablespoons powdered sugar (23 grams or 0.8 ounces)

Equipment

Electric Mixer
An electric mixer makes whipping the butter and sugar together a breeze, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.
Baking Sheet
A quality baking sheet ensures even baking and helps avoid burnt bottoms.
Parchment Paper
Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cutting out shapes easy.
Cookie Cutter
A variety of cookie cutters can add a fun twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the shapes!
Mixing Bowls
Several mixing bowls will help you keep your wet and dry ingredients separate and well-mixed.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Make sure to calibrate your oven for accurate temperatures.

Step 2

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whip the soft butter with sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Room temperature butter will whip more easily.

Step 3

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt using a fork. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar, continuing to whip. Adding eggs gradually helps to maintain a smooth mixture.

Step 4

Step 4: Add the lemon zest and finely chopped mint leaves to the butter mixture. Fresh lemon zest and mint add a burst of freshness to the cookies.

Step 5

Step 5: Sift together the flour, starch, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients to form the dough. Sifting helps to avoid lumps in the dough.

Step 6

Step 6: Place the dough in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll out.

Step 7

Step 7: Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of 0.5 cm (0.2 inches). Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 8

Step 8: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly browned. Keep an eye on the first batch to gauge the perfect baking time for your oven.

Step 9

Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool before applying the glaze. Cooled cookies will hold the glaze better.

Step 10

Step 10: To make the glaze, simply mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more lemon juice or sugar.

Step 11

Step 11: Enjoy your delicious lemon-mint cookies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Servings

✨ **Serve these lemon mint cookies with a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer treat.** The zesty lemon and mint complement the cool, crisp flavors of the tea beautifully. 🧊

🍦 **Turn your cookies into a delightful dessert sandwich by pairing them with a scoop of lemon sorbet or mint ice cream.** It's a match made in heaven and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🍪

🎉 **Hosting a party? Arrange these cookies on a platter with an assortment of other homemade goodies.** Add some fresh mint and lemon slices for a chic touch. Your guests won't be able to resist diving in! 🥳

Variations

🌱 **Gluten-Free:** Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free and you'll still get those perfect, zesty bites! 💚

🥥 **Vegan:** Swap the butter for vegan margarine and the egg for a mixture of flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). The result? Equally delicious and kind to our animal friends! 🌿

Faq

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough in the freezer for 15-20 minutes helps firm up the butter, which minimizes spreading during baking.
Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand whisk, although it might take a bit more elbow grease to achieve the same creamy consistency.
How can I ensure my cookies are evenly baked?
Ensure your oven is properly preheated and use a quality baking sheet for even heat distribution. Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Absolutely! Try adding a touch of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist. Be careful not to overpower the lemon and mint flavors.
What's the secret to a perfect glaze?
The key is achieving the right consistency. Start with the recipe's liquid-to-powdered sugar ratio, and adjust as needed for a smooth, pourable glaze.
How can I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.