Mom'S Lemon Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Mom's Lemon Cookies are delightfully tender treats with a subtle lemon flavor. Perfect for tea time or casual gatherings, these cookies offer a sweet, tangy taste with a crisp edge. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they appeal to all ages and are sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 350°F until golden brown around the edges.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have lemon flavoring, fresh lemon zest can be a great substitute for a more natural taste. To ensure even baking, make sure to space your cookies well on the sheet. For a twist, try adding poppy seeds for a fun crunch, reminiscent of lemon poppy seed muffins.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a glass of iced tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other treats like Country House Brownies or Oreo Cookies for a variety of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, which will help restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Lemon Cookies contains roughly 164 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.

164 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 12.8g 16% DV
Carbs 11.4g 4% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 23mg 1% DV
Potassium 83.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 4.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.1mcg
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 5.9mg
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 replace shortening with butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that butter will give the cookies a richer flavor, but it may also alter the texture slightly, making them a bit more tender. Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes if using butter to prevent them from spreading too much.

How can I make these cookies more lemony?

To enhance the lemon flavor, add fresh lemon juice along with the zest. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of juice and adjust to your preference. This will give the cookies a bright, fresh taste akin to Lemon Fruit Cake, making them even more refreshing.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to shape. Additionally, you can sprinkle a little flour on your hands when handling the dough to help manage the stickiness.

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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