Mint cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

6 grams (0.2 ounces) mint
260 grams (9.2 ounces) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
90 grams (3.2 ounces) butter
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sugar
1 egg
1 lemon
6 tablespoons (0.4 cups) powdered sugar

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients smoothly. Make sure it's big enough to handle all the mixing without spilling.
Electric Mixer
Using an electric mixer will help you achieve a fluffy texture for the cookie mixture. If you don't have one, a good old whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick!
Microplane Zester
This will make zesting the lemon a breeze. If you don't have one, a fine grater will work as well.
Parchment Paper
Make sure to cover your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Baking Sheet
A sturdy baking sheet is a must for baking cookies evenly. Make sure it's large enough to give each cookie some breathing room.

Instructions

Step 1

Looking for something sweet, spicy, and refreshing? Mint cookies are incredibly delicious and perfect for any tea party. The unique addition of mint makes these cookies truly special.

Step 2

Step 1: Wash and dry the lemon. Remove the zest and set it aside. Ensure there’s no white pith, as it can be bitter.

Step 3

Step 2: Wash the mint leaves with water and gently dry them to remove excess moisture. Pat the leaves with a paper towel to remove water efficiently.

Step 4

Step 3: Place the sugar and lemon zest in a mixer bowl. Squeeze out 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the bowl. Optionally, add some vanilla sugar. Grind the mixture until well combined. For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest.

Step 5

Step 4: Add the egg to the mixture and whisk for a few minutes. If desired, add some green food coloring to make the cookies brighter. Whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 6

Step 5: Pour the mixture into a bowl with soft butter and whip until smooth. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

Step 7

Step 6: Sift the flour, add baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the liquid ingredients until you get soft, non-sticky dough. Adding the flour mixture slowly helps prevent overmixing.

Step 8

Step 7: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for several hours. The colder the dough, the more cracks will form on the cookies.

Step 9

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

Step 10

Step 9: Form walnut-sized balls of the dough. You should get about 18 to 20 balls. Roll the balls in powdered sugar and place them 1.6 to 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Important: Do not press the balls; they will spread into shape during baking.

Step 11

Step 10: Bake the cookies for 20 minutes. Do not overbake; the cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out.

Step 12

Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely. For best results, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Step 13

Enjoy your tea with these delicious mint cookies!

Servings

These Mint Lemon Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delightful ways. For a classic approach, dust them with some extra powdered sugar right before serving to give them a frosty, festive look ❄️. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon delight.

Feeling a bit fancy? Serve these cookies with a side of lemon sorbet or mint ice cream 🍋🍨. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the crumbly, zesty cookies perfectly. It's like a mini-dessert adventure in every bite!

For a celebratory twist, arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter decorated with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. Add a sprig of mint in your drink for an extra touch of sophistication. If you happen to have some edible glitter, a light dusting can make your cookies truly sparkle ✨. Your guests will think you've gone to a gourmet bakery!

Variations

Want to make these cookies vegan or gluten-free without sacrificing flavor? We've got you covered! 🌱🍪

Gluten-Free Variation: Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend 🌾. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and you're good to go! These cookies will be just as delightful.

Vegan Variation: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) 🌿🥚. Choose a vegan-friendly sugar to ensure every ingredient aligns with your dietary needs.

Faq

Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
Sticky dough usually means it’s too warm. Try chilling it in the freezer for a bit longer until it firms up. You can also lightly coat your hands with flour when forming the dough balls.
How can I make the cookies more colorful?
Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough mixture before rolling them into balls, as mentioned in the steps. This will give them a vibrant, minty hue!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make and freeze the dough in advance. Just let the dough soften a bit at room temperature before baking to ensure they crackle beautifully.
How do I ensure even baking for the cookies?
Make sure all the dough balls are of equal size and spaced evenly apart on the baking sheet. This ensures they bake uniformly.
Why don't my cookies have enough cracks?
The dough might not be cold enough. Ensure that the dough is well-chilled before baking. Also, do not press the dough balls; they will flatten and crack naturally during baking.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! A little bit of vanilla extract or almond extract can add another layer of flavor. Be sure to adjust the other ingredients slightly to keep the dough consistency right.