Elsie'S Butter Cookies
Elsie's Butter Cookies are rich, buttery treats infused with lemon or brandy, perfect for holidays or tea time, offering a delicate crunch and decorative flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, lemon rind and juice or brandy, and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until the dough is manageable.
- Roll the dough thin on a pastry cloth.
- Trim the cookies with slightly beaten egg whites.
- Decorate with colored sugar and nuts if desired.
- Bake until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have lemon, brandy is a great substitute for flavor. To make the cookies even richer, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. When rolling out the dough, flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking. If the dough is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These butter cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive presentation, serve them on a platter with colorful sprinkles or alongside a bowl of Creamy Herb Dip for a unique twist. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes, perfect for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elsie'S Butter Cookies contains roughly 2597 calories, with 126g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 217g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (251% of the Daily Value), iron (203% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (193% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Butter provides a richer taste and a better crumb. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, choose a high-quality vegan butter for a closer result.
How can I make the cookies more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding additional extracts, such as almond or vanilla. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for texture. If you opt for the lemon, using fresh juice and zest will yield a brighter taste.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, it might need a bit more moisture. Try adding a teaspoon of milk or an extra egg yolk to bring it together. Ensure you mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).