Lazy Daisies
Delightful lemon-flavored cookies shaped like daisies, featuring a crispy petal design and sweet candied cherry centers, perfect for spring gatherings or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cream the butter, gradually adding sugar and beating well.
- Blend in the egg, grated lemon rind, and lemon juice.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Chill the dough for easier handling.
- Shape the dough into small balls using a teaspoon.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Snip each ball in half, three-quarters of the way through, using lightly floured scissors.
- Snip each half into thirds to form petals.
- Lay the six petals down on the sheet to resemble a daisy.
- Decorate the centers with candied cherry halves.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugar. You can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for added nutrition. If you want a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough. For a festive touch, use colored sugar or edible glitter to decorate the cookie centers instead of candied cherries.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of herbal tea or lemonade for a refreshing treat. They also pair beautifully with Jean's Chocolate Pie for a sweet dessert platter. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lazy Daisies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Daisies contains roughly 87 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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 substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine in this recipe. However, note that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Choose a high-quality margarine for the best results. Additionally, if you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without compromising the texture too much. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Just make sure to check the conversion ratios on the package, as these sweeteners can vary in sweetness compared to regular sugar.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before shaping the cookies. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking as directed. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies anytime!
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).