Lemon Crackers
Lemon crackers are crisp, flavorful treats infused with lemon oil and a hint of ammonia, perfect for snacking or serving with cheese and spreads at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the powdered ammonia into 1/4 cup warm water and allow it to stand until softened.
- Cream the shortening and sugar until well blended.
- Add beaten eggs and blend well.
- Add salt and lemon oil to the mixture.
- Add the ammonia-water mixture to the milk, then alternately mix in the flour until the dough reaches a proper consistency to handle.
- Press the dough out on a well-floured board with your hands.
- Cut the dough into squares or circles as desired.
- Bake in a 400°F oven until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before adding it to the dough. If you don't have lemon oil, you can substitute with fresh lemon zest or lemon extract, though the flavor may vary slightly. Make sure the powdered ammonia is fresh, as it can lose its potency over time. This recipe can be adapted to include other flavors, such as using orange oil for a different citrus twist.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon crackers are delightful on their own or served with a light spread of cream cheese or lemon curd. They pair beautifully with afternoon tea or can be enjoyed as a snack. For a more elaborate presentation, serve alongside a fruit platter or a side of Darn Good Cake to create a refreshing dessert table. They also make a great addition to picnic baskets.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; wrap each cracker in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crisp again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Crackers contains roughly 331 calories, with 1g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter or margarine for shortening in this recipe. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, while margarine may alter the texture slightly. If using butter, make sure it's softened to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
What can I use instead of powdered ammonia?
If you don’t have powdered ammonia, you can replace it with baking powder. Use about 2 teaspoons of baking powder for this recipe. However, note that the texture and flavor might be slightly different, as powdered ammonia helps in creating a unique crispiness.
How can I enhance the lemon flavor in these crackers?
To intensify the lemon flavor, add more lemon oil or zest from a fresh lemon. You can also consider incorporating a lemon glaze on top after baking. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to drizzle over the crackers for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness.
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).