I love baking, especially when it involves cookies. Today, I’m excited to share my Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies carry a light, zesty flavor thanks to Meyer lemons, which I adore. Every bite of these treats reminds me of sunny days and warm kitchens.
Baking this recipe brings back fond memories. I once made these cookies for my friend’s birthday. The burst of lemon and the buttery texture captivated everyone in the room. They felt light yet satisfying, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
What Makes Meyer Lemons Special?
Meyer lemons are a unique blend of lemon and mandarin orange. They’re sweeter than regular lemons, boasting a fragrant aroma. This special combination gives these cookies a distinct taste, standing out from ordinary lemon cookies.
Using Meyer lemons in baking transforms the flavor profile entirely. You’ll notice a subtle sweetness that balances well with the rich butter, making these cookies irresistible.
Why Greek Butter?
In Greece, butter is a key ingredient in many traditional baked goods. Greek butter tends to be creamier and richer than typical butter, providing an additional depth of flavor. Using it in this cookie recipe creates a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
The creamy texture not only contributes to the overall taste but also gives these cookies a lovely crumbly texture. This butter choice makes your cookies feel special.
Ingredients for Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies Recipe
Before we begin baking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Meyer lemons (zested) | 2 large lemons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Unsalted Greek butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | A pinch |
Additional Topping Ingredients
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: Lemon zest for added garnish
How to Make Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to turn them into delicious cookies! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you start, make sure everything is clean and organized. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal. This step keeps the cookies from sticking, making clean-up simple.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened Greek butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until well combined. The two types of sugar create a balance between sweetness and texture, which is perfect for cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until combined. This step provides moisture, flavor, and a nice binding element to hold the cookies together.
Step 4: Zest and Juice the Meyer Lemons
Zest the Meyer lemons, ensuring you catch all that fragrant peel. The zest holds the essential oils that offer a bright flavor. After zesting, squeeze the juice into a measuring cup, catching any seeds. Use about 2 tablespoons of juice for the best flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly distributes the baking powder. This helps the cookies rise evenly.
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. With each addition, stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; this keeps the cookies tender.
Finally, gently fold in the lemon juice and zest. At this stage, the vibrant aroma of Meyer lemons fills your kitchen, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. The centers might look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If you want to add extra zing, sprinkle more lemon zest on top.
Tips for Perfect Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies
Every baker has their secrets. Here are a few tips I’ve learned to ensure perfect cookies every time:
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cookies tender.
- For an extra lemony flavor, increase the lemon zest.
- Allow cookies to cool properly before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid clumping.
Storing Your Cookies
These cookies can last for quite some time if stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you prefer longer storage, you can freeze the cookies.
To freeze, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer!
When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. Or, for a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
If you crave something different from common cookie recipes, this one gives you that excitement. The combination of Meyer lemons and Greek butter creates a delightful warm flavor that’s hard to resist.
These cookies are perfect for occasions like birthdays, holidays, or just an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. They are a fantastic way to impress family and friends while treating yourself.
Variations of Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies Recipe
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! Consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a unique twist.
You can also try a lemon glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Just mix powdered sugar with a small amount of Meyer lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
Baking the Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies Recipe brings joy and warmth to any kitchen. With a blend of zesty flavors and rich butter, you’ll make these cookies again and again. They embody the spirit of sunshine in every bite.