Mexican Orange And Lemon Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

Bright and zesty Mexican Orange and Lemon Cookies feature citrus flavors that are perfect for a sweet, tangy treat suitable for all occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange or lemon peel
  • 1 teaspoon boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons orange or lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Soak lemon or orange peel in 1 tablespoon of boiling water.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Cream the shortening and sugar together.
  4. Add the egg, peel mixture, and boiling water to the creamed mixture.
  5. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Alternately blend in flour and orange or lemon juice until well combined.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. You can also use a mix of both lemon and orange juice for a unique citrus blend. If you're short on time, pre-grated citrus peel can work in a pinch, but fresh zest adds a brighter taste. Ensure proper creaming of the shortening and sugar to achieve light and fluffy cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Flan Sol Y Sombra (Sun And Shadow Custard) for dessert. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter at parties, especially when paired with other Mexican recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until slightly soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Orange And Lemon Cookies contains roughly 175 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.

175 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 33.1g 12% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 107mg 5% DV
Potassium 227.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 6.8mg 8% DV
Calcium 74.9mg 6% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 only one type of citrus juice?

Yes, you can use just orange or just lemon juice if you prefer. However, using both can enhance the flavor profile of the cookies, giving them a more complex taste.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little flour on your hands while shaping the cookies.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and chocolate chips can provide a sweet contrast to the citrus flavor. Just be sure not to add too much, as it may alter the texture of the cookies.

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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