Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Additional ingredients for decoration (e.g., rainbow sprinkle mix or sugar crystals)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well.
- Take small portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on a baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
- Use a thumb or fork to press down slightly on each cookie to flatten them.
- Decorate as desired with additional ingredients.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 cookies)
- Calories: Approx. 250 calories per cookie
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creative and unique design with thumbprints.
- Soft and chewy texture with a slight crispness on the edges.
- Vanilla and lemon combination provides a delightful flavor profile for Americans.
- Decorative options allow for personalization and make them ideal for special occasions or as gifts.
User Comments:
- "These cookies are amazing! The combination of flavors is spot on."
- "My kids loved the thumbprint design. They were so fun to make together."
- "These cookies are perfect for a tea party or as a treat for guests. Highly recommended!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure that the baking sheet is not too crowded to allow for proper spreading of cookies and even baking.
- Decorate the cookies according to your preference using various ingredients like sprinkle mixes, chopped nuts, or candy pieces.
- Store cooled cookies in an air-tight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
