Cookies with poppy seeds and lemon

Lemon and Poppy Seed Cookies - a Crispy and Flavorful Delight

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 13 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

The love for cookies and biscuits is a tradition that connects us all through sweet and joyful moments. These lemon and poppy seed cookies are a perfect choice, combining a crunchy texture with citrus flavors and subtle notes of poppy seeds. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer versatility that allows you to play with the ingredients, such as substituting orange for lemon or adding walnuts and almonds to the dough. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the cookies:
- 250 g butter (82% fat; high quality for an intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons Green Sugar sweetener (or 80 g powdered sugar, if you prefer the original version)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 4 tablespoons poppy seeds (for texture and flavor)
- 1 packet baking powder (for added fluffiness)
- Zest and juice of one lemon (for a fresh and vibrant taste)
- Approximately 450 g flour (+ 50 g for rolling out the dough)

For the filling:
- Filling 1: 100 g white chocolate + 1 tablespoon liquid cream
- Filling 2: 100 g milk chocolate + 2 tablespoons liquid cream

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by letting the butter come to room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. High-quality butter will make a difference in the final taste.
2. In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with a pinch of salt and the sweetener until you achieve a creamy mixture. It should almost become fluffy!
3. Gradually add the lemon zest and juice, mixing continuously. The citrus aroma will make your cookies truly special.
4. Incorporate the poppy seeds and the flour mixed with baking powder. When about three-quarters of the flour is integrated, stop the mixer and begin kneading by hand until the dough is homogeneous. It should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Shaping the cookies

5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1.5 cm thick. This thickness is ideal for stamping. If you’re using various shapes, you can roll the dough thinner.
6. Use cookie cutters or a stamping tool to cut out the cookies. Make sure the shapes are well dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Baking the cookies

7. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
8. Bake the cookies for 13 minutes or until they turn slightly golden around the edges. Don’t worry if they seem a bit soft at first; they will firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Preparing the filling

9. While the cookies are baking, you can prepare the fillings. Divide into two separate bowls:
- For the white chocolate filling, melt 100 g of white chocolate with 1 tablespoon of liquid cream over a double boiler. Mix well until smooth.
- Repeat the process with the milk chocolate, adding 2 tablespoons of liquid cream.

Step 5: Assembling the cookies

10. Once the cookies have completely cooled, assemble them in pairs, filling them with the chocolate creams. You can alternate between the two fillings for a more appealing look.
11. Store the cookies in metal tins to keep them fresh. They are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, and they also make a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Suggestions and Variations

- You can replace lemon with orange or lime for a different twist.
- If you enjoy a more intense flavor, you can add 50 g of ground nuts or almonds to the dough.
- For a healthier version, experiment with natural sweeteners, adjusting the quantities according to your preferences.

Nutritional Information

These cookies are not only a treat but also a relatively healthier snack option, with a moderate calorie content (approximately 90-100 kcal per cookie, depending on the filling and ingredients). Poppy seeds are an excellent source of fiber, and lemon provides a boost of vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will change. Almond flour is a tasty option!

How can I store the cookies?
Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in a metal tin or an airtight container in a cool place.

What drinks pair best with these cookies?
A cup of green tea or a vanilla latte complements the cookies’ flavor perfectly. And of course, a glass of fresh milk is always a wonderful choice!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! These lemon and poppy seed cookies are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor the time spent in the kitchen!