Ingredients
Lemon Cookie Base
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Provides a rich and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup) & Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): The combination ensures the right balance of sweetness and a delicate crumb.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Packs a punch of natural citrus flavor.
- Egg (1, at room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the tangy profile.
- Lemon Extract (½ teaspoon): Intensifies the lemon flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): The base of the cookie, providing structure.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise perfectly.
- Poppy Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Add texture and a hint of nuttiness.
Blackberry Frosting
- Cream Cheese (3 oz, softened): Creates a creamy and tangy frosting base.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and smoothness.
- Blackberries (1 tablespoon, mashed and strained): Infuses the frosting with natural color and flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
- Lemon Zest (¼ teaspoon) & Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon): Enhance the frosting’s flavor profile.
- Blackberry Jam (¼ cup): Adds a glossy, fruity topping.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemon Cookie Base
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. - Cream the Base
In a mixing bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. - Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract. Mix until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add poppy seeds if desired. Mix gently until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture. - Shape and Bake
Use a large cookie scoop (approximately ¼ cup) to form six evenly sized dough balls. Flatten them slightly to about ½ inch thickness. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
2. Make the Blackberry Frosting
- Cream the Base
In a clean bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. - Add Flavor and Sweetness
Mix in powdered sugar, blackberry puree, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Cookies
- Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of blackberry frosting on each. Add a dollop of blackberry jam in the center for a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Lemon and Blackberry Quality: Use fresh lemons and ripe blackberries for the most vibrant flavors.
- Sifting: Always sift powdered sugar for the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain their frosting and jam topping, arrange them in a single layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes