Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe

Welcome to my Christmas Kitchen! Today, we’re going to bake something truly special – my famous Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies, a delightful treat that brings a touch of sunshine to our cozy Christmas gatherings. This recipe will yield about 30 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones during this festive season.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
6. 1 cup granulated sugar
7. 2 large eggs
8. Zest of 2 lemons
9. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10. 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing:

1. 1 cup powdered sugar
2. 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
3. Red and green food coloring (optional, for a festive touch)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, poppy seeds, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Icing: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a smooth icing. Divide it into two, and color one part with red and the other with green for a festive look.
9. Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle them with the icing. You can use a piping bag for precision or simply use a spoon for a rustic charm.
10. Let the Icing Set: Allow the icing to set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Expert Tips:

• For an extra lemony kick, add more lemon zest to the dough.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the cookies for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Get creative with your icing! Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters for fun shapes.

As these Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies come out of the oven, their delightful aroma fills the air, bringing back cherished Christmas memories. Share these cookies with family and friends, and watch as they become a new holiday favorite. From my kitchen to yours, I wish you a warm, joyful, and delicious Christmas!