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Lemon Drop Cookies are soft and chewy with just the right amount of lemon goodness thanks to lemon drop candy. A lemon glaze adds even more lemon flavor.
I think if I had to pick one all time favorite flavor it would be LEMON! Today’s recipe for Lemon Drop Cookies was the first lemon recipe I ever shared on the blog. I originally shared this recipe just a few months after I started this blog in 2007. I have been making them ever since.
Are Lemon Drops The Same Thing as Lemon Heads?
They are not the same thing. You need to use Lemon Drops, NOT Lemon Heads.
How to Make Lemon Drop Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Cream sugar with butter and shortening in your mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and flavoring and blend well.
- Sift dry ingredients and gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add lemon zest and crushed lemon drops.
- Form the dough into balls and then use a fork to press down slightly.
- While they are baking mix up your lemon glaze.
- After the cookies cool, add glaze to cookie. You want the glaze slightly runny so it spreads nicely.
- If you like, sprinkle the glaze while it is still wet with some additional crushed lemon drops.
Can I Use Butter Instead of Shortening ?
I do love butter but this cookie uses part shortening, part butter because the shortening helps keep the cookie softer. The addition of the lemon drops in the cookie can dry out the cookie and the shortening keeps the cookie soft. If you use all butter. your cookie will be a crisper cookie, but still delicious!
This recipe also makes a LOT of cookies ( 5 dozen) so be prepared to share. I originally made this cookie at Christmas time but it is a perfect year round cookie. You can also half the recipe.
If you love lemon like I do you will love these cookies!
For other lemon goodness try these:
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Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe
Lemon Drop Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cup butter/shortening I used 1/2 c butter and 1 c shortening
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- finely chopped zest of 1 lemon
- 6 oz. package crushed lemon drops
- 1 cup powdered sugar I doubled this
- juice of 1 lemon double
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cream sugar and shortening in your mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and flavoring and blend well.
- Sift dry ingredients and gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add lemon zest and crushed lemon drops.
- Roll in balls, flatten with a fork.
- Bake on parchment paper for 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a glaze.
- Cool 1-2 minutes, brush with glaze.
Tips & Notes:
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Nutrition Facts:
Carol McCarey says
Hi, you alluded to a 6oz package of crushed lemon drops in your recipe. I cannot find them anywhere. did you successfully use your Cuisinart to crush these drops? Thanks.
Leigh Anne says
I found them in the bulk food section of my grocery store. Yes, the food processors grinds them up great.
nest of posies says
my water is literally watering looking at your post! LOVE anything Lemon!!!
Lauren says
I love lemon cookies! I’ve never tried the lemon essential oil in mine yet, will have to give it a try!
Leigh Anne says
You must try it! I keep lemon, lime and wild orange in my kitchen at all times.