Lemon-Almond Wafers

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delicate lemon-almond wafers feature crisp texture and bright citrus flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, appealing to those who love light, citrus-infused cookies.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup margarine
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon peel
  • sliced almonds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Use ungreased cookie sheets for baking.
  3. Beat margarine and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg, then add vanilla.
  5. Gradually stir in the cake flour until blended.
  6. Stir in the grated lemon peel.
  7. Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
  8. Gently press a few sliced almonds into the center of each cookie.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden brown.
  10. Cool on the sheet for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the cake flour with almond flour for added nuttiness. Make sure to pack the grated lemon peel tightly for maximum zest. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar slightly or drizzle with a lemon glaze after baking. These wafers are also great for pairing with a cup of tea.

Serving Suggestions

These lemon-almond wafers make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside a refreshing cup of tea. They pair beautifully with a light lemon cheese cake dessert or as part of a dessert platter that includes cookies and fruit. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled lemon-almond wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon-Almond Wafers contains roughly 231 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.

231 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 17.4g 22% DV
Carbs 17.4g 6% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 159.5mg 7% DV
Potassium 85.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.6mg 2% DV
Calcium 28.3mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 regular flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in place of cake flour, but the texture may be a little denser. To mimic cake flour, you can replace 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch for every cup used.

What can I use instead of margarine?

Unsalted butter is a great substitute for margarine and will enhance the flavor of the wafers. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, keeping in mind that it may impart a slight coconut flavor.

How can I make these cookies more lemony?

To intensify the lemon flavor, you can add an additional tablespoon of freshly grated lemon peel or a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough. A light lemon glaze drizzled on top after baking also enhances the citrus taste.

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).

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