Introducing Lemon Balm Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic treat that will brighten up your baking repertoire. Lemon balm, known for its subtle lemony aroma and flavor, infuses these cookies with a fresh and zesty kick. Perfect for tea time or as a light dessert, these cookies combine the sweet, buttery goodness of a traditional sugar cookie with the refreshing notes of lemon balm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to make Lemon Balm Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the lemon balm, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Balm Cookies
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if it’s too soft, which helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Use fresh lemon balm for the best flavor; dried lemon balm can be used in a pinch but won’t be as aromatic.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute lemon balm with mint or basil for a different herbal twist.
- Add white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
- Use lime zest and juice instead of lemon for a tangy variation.
Storage Instructions
Store Lemon Balm Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Use Dried Lemon Balm for Baking Cookies?
Yes, you can use dried lemon balm for baking cookies, but there are a few things to consider to ensure the best results. While fresh lemon balm is typically preferred due to its vibrant flavor and aroma, dried lemon balm can still impart a pleasant taste to your baked goods. Here are some tips for using dried lemon balm in your cookie recipes:
First, it’s important to note that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones. As a general rule, you should use about one-third of the amount of dried lemon balm as you would fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm, you would use approximately 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm. This ensures that the flavor is not too overpowering.
To maximize the flavor of dried lemon balm, you can rehydrate it slightly before adding it to your cookie dough. Simply soak the dried lemon balm in a small amount of warm water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry with a paper towel. This process helps to release some of the essential oils and enhance the herb’s aroma and taste.
Another tip is to crush the dried lemon balm between your fingers or in a mortar and pestle before adding it to the dough. This helps to break down the leaves and release more of the flavor. Be mindful that dried lemon balm can sometimes have a slightly different flavor profile than fresh, with a more pronounced herbal note and less of the citrusy brightness.
How Can I Grow My Own Lemon Balm at Home?
- Choose the Right Location: Lemon balm thrives in full sun to partial shade. Select a location in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If you are growing lemon balm indoors, place it near a sunny window or use a grow light to ensure it gets adequate light.
- Prepare the Soil: Lemon balm prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage. If you’re growing lemon balm in a pot, use a high-quality potting mix.
- Planting: You can start lemon balm from seeds, cuttings, or transplants. If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them down, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs in 10-14 days. If using cuttings or transplants, plant them in the prepared soil, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart.
- Watering and Care: Lemon balm requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Lemon balm is relatively low-maintenance and doesn’t require frequent fertilization. An occasional feeding with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season is sufficient.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting lemon balm leaves once the plant is well-established, usually in about 8-10 weeks. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the leaves, and avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued growth.
Are Lemon Balm Cookies Healthy?
- Herbal Benefits: Lemon balm itself is known for its numerous health benefits. It has calming and soothing properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, lemon balm is rich in antioxidants that can help protect your body from oxidative stress and support overall health.
- Natural Ingredients: By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can enhance the nutritional value of lemon balm cookies. Opting for organic lemon balm, whole wheat flour, and unrefined sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Incorporating ingredients like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can also boost the nutritional content of the cookies.
- Reduced Sugar Content: Traditional cookies often contain a high amount of refined sugar, which can contribute to various health issues. When making lemon balm cookies, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use healthier alternatives. For instance, using coconut sugar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener can help lower the glycemic index of the cookies and make them a better option for those watching their sugar intake.
- Portion Control: Lemon balm cookies can be made smaller in size, allowing for better portion control. Enjoying a smaller cookie can satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming excessive calories or sugar. Pairing the cookies with a cup of herbal tea can also help you feel more satisfied and prevent overeating.
- Dietary Modifications: Lemon balm cookies can be adapted to meet various dietary needs. For example, you can make them gluten-free by using almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Vegan versions can be created by using plant-based butter and flaxseed or chia seed as egg replacements.
What Are Some Other Recipes That Use Lemon Balm?
- Lemon Balm Tea: One of the simplest ways to enjoy lemon balm is by making tea. Steep fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey or lemon juice to taste for a soothing and refreshing herbal tea that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Lemon Balm Pesto: For a unique twist on traditional pesto, blend fresh lemon balm leaves with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This vibrant green sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over grilled vegetables.
- Lemon Balm Lemonade: Infuse your homemade lemonade with a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Simply muddle the leaves with lemon juice and sugar before adding water and ice. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days.
- Lemon Balm Infused Oil: Create a fragrant lemon balm infused oil by steeping fresh leaves in a bottle of olive oil for a few weeks. This infused oil can be used in salad dressings, marinades, or drizzled over roasted vegetables for a hint of lemony flavor.
- Lemon Balm Ice Cream: Add a herbal twist to your homemade ice cream by infusing the milk or cream with fresh lemon balm leaves. Strain out the leaves before churning the mixture in an ice cream maker. The result is a creamy, refreshing dessert with a subtle lemon balm flavor.
- Lemon Balm Jelly: Preserve the fresh taste of lemon balm by making a batch of lemon balm jelly. This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for spreading on toast, scones, or biscuits. It’s also a great addition to a cheese platter.
- Lemon Balm Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of chopped lemon balm, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before grilling or baking. The lemon balm adds a bright, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Lemon Balm Salad: Toss fresh lemon balm leaves with mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad. The lemon balm adds a unique twist to the salad, making it stand out from the usual greens.
- Lemon Balm Syrup: Make a simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh lemon balm leaves until the sugar is dissolved. Strain out the leaves and use the syrup to sweeten cocktails, iced tea, or lemonade.
- Lemon Balm Butter: Blend softened butter with finely chopped lemon balm leaves and a bit of lemon zest. This herb butter can be used to top grilled fish, spread on bread, or melted over steamed vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.