Sesame Lemon Cookies
Crisp, lemon-flavored cookies coated with sesame seeds offer a delightful balance of tangy citrus and nutty crunch, perfect for tea time or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon extract until well combined.
- Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough is smooth.
- Refrigerate the dough for 6 hours to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pinch off pieces of dough, roll into balls, then roll in a bowl of sesame seeds.
- Place the coated dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, a few inches apart.
- Press down each ball with a fork to flatten slightly.
- Bake for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half cake flour. If you don't have lemon extract, fresh lemon juice and zest can be used, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly. Ensure the butter is room temperature for easy mixing, and chill the dough thoroughly for the best results. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake for an additional minute.
Serving Suggestions
These Sesame Lemon Cookies make a delightful treat on their own or can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee. They also complement a light fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a refreshing dessert. For a unique twist, try serving alongside the Banana Spice Pancakes And Whipped Honey Butter for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Lemon Cookies contains roughly 352 calories, with 13g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2288mg per serving (99% 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 margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Use a stick margarine for best results, as tub margarine tends to have more water content, which can affect the dough consistency.
What if I want to make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Sesame Lemon Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding extra ingredients to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).