Little hearts with lemon

Lemon Hearts - A dessert that will touch hearts

Who doesn't love to give and receive love in the form of sweets? These lemon hearts are a perfect symbol of affection and delicacy, ideal for special occasions or simply to add a little joy to our days. This quick and simple dessert, with a fresh citrus flavor and a fluffy texture, will bring a smile to the faces of our loved ones. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes (plus 30 minutes for cooling)
Number of servings: 20 hearts

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 150 g butter or margarine, at room temperature
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg white
- 200 g flour
- 60 g cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

For the cream:
- 200 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 100 g butter or margarine

For decoration:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 tablespoons sugar

A short story about our ingredients

These lemon hearts perfectly combine the fresh flavor of lemon with the sweetness of sugar, creating a delicious contrast. Lemon is known not only for its refreshing taste but also for its nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. Butter, another key ingredient, provides a rich flavor and a velvety texture, being essential for pastry preparations.

Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, add the soft butter (or margarine) at room temperature and the powdered sugar. Using a spatula or a fork, mix well until you obtain a smooth cream. This is an essential step, as a well-made mixture will ensure a perfect texture for the hearts.

2. Separately, in another bowl, combine the sifted flour with the cornstarch and baking powder. This combination will help achieve fluffier cookies.

3. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter cream, mixing gently with a spoon. At first, the mixture may seem harder to combine, but as you add the dry ingredients, it will start to become more homogeneous.

4. Once the mixture becomes compact, move to the work surface. Sprinkle a little flour on the surface and knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is the moment when you can feel the texture of the dough and ensure it is perfect.

5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is not just a formality; cooling the dough will help achieve crispy and easy-to-handle hearts.

Cutting and baking the hearts

1. After the dough has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 3 mm thick. This step is important, as an even thickness will ensure uniform baking.

2. Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut out the hearts and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between the hearts, as they will expand during baking.

3. Bake the hearts in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. It's essential not to leave them in the oven too long, as we want to maintain their crispy texture and delicacy.

Preparing the cream

1. In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and semolina. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The semolina will thicken the cream, giving it a smooth consistency.

2. After about 8 minutes from the first boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter (or margarine), lemon juice, and grated lemon zest. Mix well until the butter melts and is fully incorporated.

Assembling the hearts

1. Take the baked hearts, leaving half of them plain, without sugar. On the other hearts, spread the prepared cream, making sure to cover the entire surface well.

2. Place the plain hearts on top of the cream-covered ones, pressing gently to fix them. This moment is perfect for imagining how they will look when served, and the sweet and sour aroma will entice our senses.

3. Prepare the decoration mixture by combining the egg yolk with a tablespoon of cold water. Brush this mixture onto the hearts that have not been sprinkled with sugar and sprinkle with sugar for a shiny appearance and a crispy texture.

Finalization and serving

1. Let the hearts soften, ideally from evening until the next day. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to combine and intensify.

2. When ready to serve, carefully flip the hearts and arrange them on a beautiful platter. You can decorate them with lemon slices or mint leaves for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions

These lemon hearts pair perfectly with a cup of green tea or a strong espresso. You can also try pairing them with vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce to add a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace lemon with orange or lime for a different flavor. You can also add some white chocolate pieces to the semolina cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine is an excellent alternative and will provide a similar taste.

2. How can I keep the hearts fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture.

3. Can I add nuts or almonds to the dough?
Sure, adding roasted nuts or almonds will provide an extra crunch and flavor.

Nutritional benefits

These hearts provide a good source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, and lemon adds vitamin C. However, it's important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content from butter.

Now that you have all the necessary information, get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious lemon hearts. Share love through cooking and enjoy every moment!