Life Saver Cookies
Life Saver Cookies are a delightful treat that blend buttery sweetness with a hint of lemon. Each cookie features a colorful Life Saver candy center that melts beautifully during baking. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, these cookies will bring joy to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon extract.
- Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thick on a lightly floured board.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes.
- Cut a small hole in the center of each cookie with a sharp knife.
- Place the cookies on a foil-covered baking sheet.
- Place a Life Saver in the center of each cookie.
- Bake at 375° for 7 to 9 minutes until lightly browned or until the candy is melted.
- Cool on the baking sheet and store in layers between wax paper.
- These cookies freeze nicely.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugar. If you don't have lemon extract, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. Experiment with different flavors of Life Savers for a fun twist. Always chill the dough to make it easier to roll out and cut shapes. If you're short on time, you can skip chilling, but the texture may vary.
Serving Suggestions
These Life Saver Cookies make a delightful treat for parties or gatherings, pairing well with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a nostalgic dessert experience, consider serving them with Fried Apple Pies for a fun dessert table. Enjoy these colorful cookies as a festive addition to holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, layer them between wax paper. If you decide to freeze them, use freezer bags or containers, and they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Life Saver Cookies contains roughly 72 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2228mg per serving (97% 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 different types of candy instead of Life Savers?
Yes, you can experiment with various hard candies or gummies in the center of the cookies. Just ensure the candy can withstand baking. Some popular alternatives include Jolly Ranchers or even chocolate pieces for a different flavor experience.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky to roll out?
If the dough feels sticky, try chilling it for an additional 15-30 minutes. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with extra flour to prevent sticking. If it's still problematic, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and work with them one at a time.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider using colorful Life Savers or adding food coloring to the dough. Additionally, you can sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar on top right before baking for a festive touch.
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).