Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Iced Lemon Rounds

Though I don't believe I've ever won a sweepstakes, raffle or maybe even a bingo game, I seem to have great luck with blog giveaways. Thanks to Katie, I won a wonderful Holiday Cookie Cookbook, right in time for a Christmas potluck.

Iced Lemon RoundsPerusing through Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season really left me drooling. Among Viennese Crescents, Baci Brownies (with a Nutella swirl!), and Swedish Dreams, I wasn't quite sure how I'd pick a recipe for my Christmas party until I came across these Iced Lemon Rounds. Though not the most Christmasy of cookies, I had all of the very simple ingredients and alas, my decision was made!

Iced Lemon RoundsThese cookies are buttery, lemony, tender and sweet. Though they may not be your typical holiday cookie, you'll love how easily they come together. I'd say the Iced Lemon Rounds are a perfect solution for a last minute treat. Sprinkle some green or red crystal sugar on the tops and you have yourself a festive cookie! Hubby argued against this with the thinking that holiday sprinkles just don't go with lemon. OK. You decide :)

These were a big hit and we didn't have any leftovers. The original recipe states these make 47 cookies. Not wanting to roll and scoop dough all day, I only made a half recipe but ended up with about 15 cookies.

Thanks again for the great book, Katie!
Holiday Cookie Cookbook
Iced Lemon Rounds
Courtesy of
Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (16 tbsp) butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Icing
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

3. Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add sugars and beat until smooth. Beat in eggs, followed by lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Gradually add in flour and mix until just incoporated.

4. Scoop about a tablespoonful of dough and roll with your hands into a ball. Place on the cookie sheet and flatten to about 1/2 inch thickness.

5. Bake for about 13-15 minutes until cookies are pale on top but golden on the bottom. Allow to cool on a wire rack completely.

6. To make the icing, whisk the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and milk until combined. Spread the icing on the cooled cookies with a table knife. Let the cookies stand on rack until icing sets.

23 comments:

kat said...

I bet they are a refreshing change from the chocolate & other rich Christmas cookies

Anonymous said...

Oh how yummy...I love lemon desserts so this right up my alley. What a cool book for the collection!

Unknown said...

Yummm! Anything with a zing to it sounds good right now, especially with some tea...Its so cold here right now.

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Congratulations on winning the cookbook!!

Loooove those treats!!

Jessica said...

These look amazing! I am a newlywed also, but I'm having a lot of trouble in the cooking/baking department. Mostly I just never know what to make. I'm glad I stumbled upon your blog, I'm always excited about new recipes.

The Blonde Duck said...

That cookbook looks fabulous! What a wonderful gift before Christmas!

Sarah said...

These are totally like the cookies I found in a Martha Stewart magazine like 10 years ago. I usually also put poppy seeds in the glaze, but it probably would look a little more polished without them.

Esi said...

I loved iced lemon cookies! I have tried a cakey version so this crisp, buttery version sounds good too.

grace said...

well, the icing makes it, and that's all there is to it. there's nothing more appealing than dripping, sugary icing. except maybe melty chocolate, but don't get me started on that...
happy holidays, sharon! :)

Prudy said...

Those look fantastic. I love lemon and that icing just sounds like it would be fabulous. Merry Christma!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Your lemon rounds look fabulous. Merry Christmas Susan.

Bunny said...

These look so tender, with all that utter how could they not be. I'm making these, I love anything lemon!

Pam said...

These look fabulous...my kind of cookie. Great recipe.

Leslie said...

Ohhhh..these look out of this world!!!

Mo said...

Sharon, your blog is bad for my waistline! Please, you're killing me. I am making the pumpkin cinnamon rolls for hubby and I on Christmas morning. Now I see these...I'm thinking I have a little time this afternoon. ;)

Katrina said...

Yum, perfect and cool.
Happy Holidays. I'm having a giveaway on my blog!

That Girl said...

If the cookies didn't win over my household, the frosting would seal the deal.

Sophie said...

Yay for another win! I would've been sad that there weren't any leftovers :(, these sound heavenly...I ADORE lemon! Hope you had a wonderful holiday :).

Emily said...

These lemon cookies look awesome! I have this urge to bake them now. Hope you had a great Christmas!

Pam said...

I made these cookies for Santa... they were easy and so delicious! Thanks Sharon.

Ana Powell said...

Hi Sharon
I am sure that Santa has really enjoyed your lemon cookies.
Best wishes for 2009.
Ana x

MªJose-Dit i Fet said...

Me han encantado!!!

La Bella Cooks said...

That looks like a great book! I love nearly all lemon desserts and these look fantastic.