Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are Full of Citrus Flavor and are a Perfect Addition To A Dairy Lunch.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies came about because due to a health condition, my mother can no longer eat chocolate. (The actual instructions are “Limit or Avoid”.) I would have to avoid it if this were me because limiting anything has never been my strong suit. (I am not so good at avoiding either.) In my mind, nothing compares to chocolate, but I admit I could live happily on anything lemon-flavored. I have always been a fan of lemon poppy seed muffins and I thought Mom might like these. If you have already enjoyed our Lemon Squares, you will also be pleasantly surprised by these cookies. The poppy seeds add a delicate flavor that brings the cookie to a different level. If you grind the poppy seeds first in a blender they will have a stronger flavor, although that is not required for this recipe.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies could be made lower-carb (although these will never be health food), by replacing 1/3 of the flour with the ground nuts of your choice. ( I personally think a lemon-hazelnut cookie would be wonderful.) For a parve cookie, replace the butter with vegetable shortening. They won’t be as rich but they will be cookies and they will be yummy.
Do lemons have any health benefits?
Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C and lemons are known to aid digestion. However, the flour and sugar in these cookies will negate any of the benefits.
Are there other uses for lemon peel?
Slices of lemon peel can be turned into candied lemon peel which may be slightly more nutritious than cookies, although it is coated in sugar. Some slices of lemon peel put in the bag with your brown sugar will keep it from turning rock-hard. Sucking on a lemon peel may help with nausea, although I have not personally tried this one , and it might cause other problems as the acid in the lemon is probably not good for your teeth.
What is the best way to zest all of those lemons?
If you have been following our posts, you know how much I love my microplane zester. It makes quick work of zesting the peels and is easy to clean.
I get drug-tested at work. Is it safe for me to eat the poppy seeds?
This is not as odd a question as it might seem. Poppy seeds are a source of opiates, although you would have to eat many batches of these cookies to risk a false positive on a drug test. You cannot get high from eating the poppy seeds that are available in grocery stores.
Products used in making this recipe:
Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater
2dayShip Premium Quilon Parchmet Paper Baking Sheets, Pan liner, White, 12 X 16, 200 Count
KitchenAid KP26M1XES 6 Qt. Professional 600 Series Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer – Espresso
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are full of citrus flavor and are a perfect addition to a dairy lunch.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 sticks butter (12 oz)
- 1 egg optional
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest about three lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees
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Combine the sugar and butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Mix until well-blended and light in color.
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Mix in egg if using.
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Add poppy seeds, lemon zest and vanilla.
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Add flour gradually, continuing until a dough has formed.
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Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake 15 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to rack until completely cool.
Recipe Notes
This recipe is adapted from Ratio by Michael Ruhlman
These look so good! I love lemon flavor, especially in dessert! Would you recommend any kinds of icing with these delicious cookies?
Thanks, Rachel! Any sort of thin, vanilla icing would work well.