Lemon Pecan Refrigerator Cookies
Delightful lemon pecan refrigerator cookies offer a perfect balance of citrus brightness and nutty richness, ideal for quick baking and entertaining with a crisp, tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together in a bowl.
- Add well-beaten egg, lemon juice, and grated lemon rind; beat well.
- Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in the finely chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into rolls, wrap in waxed paper, and chill thoroughly.
- Slice the chilled rolls very thin.
- Place slices on a greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you're short on time, you can skip chilling the dough, but this will affect the texture. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise, and remember to slice the dough thinly for even baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Pecan Refrigerator Cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also make an excellent addition to a dessert table featuring items like Butterscotch Pecan Slices. For a light finish, pair with fresh fruit or a sorbet to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the slices before baking. Just place them between layers of wax paper in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Pecan Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 175 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 15g 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 use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just make sure to chop them finely, as the texture is important for these cookies. Each nut will impart a unique flavor, so choose based on your preference.
How thin should I slice the cookie dough?
Aim to slice the dough about 1/8 inch thick for optimal baking. This thickness allows the cookies to bake evenly and achieve a delightful crispness. Thicker slices may not cook through properly, while thinner slices could burn.
Can I add more lemon flavor to these cookies?
Absolutely! You can increase the lemon juice and zest slightly if you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the dough's consistency. A little extra zest can enhance the aroma beautifully.
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).