Lemon Crinkle Cookies

We have been having some amazing weather here in Seattle!  80 degree temperatures in May?? That's pretty shocking for us here.  These cookies go perfectly with this summer-type weather we have been having. Citrus treats are just summery treats to me.  Not to say I wouldn't eat a dozen chocolate chip cookies in the summer, I just make a little extra room for citrus. 

I made these cookies for my Bakin' Friend last month.  These cookies have a great lemon flavor and are dusted with powdered sugar for that little extra sweetness.  This is a cookie where you could be in danger of eating the whole batch.   They are light, sweet, and just the perfect little treat.  I imagine eating a lot of these this summer...I think you will too!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

from Lauren's Latest

1/2 cup softened butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Prepare baking sheet with cooking spray or parchment paper.

In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.  Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix again until all ingredients are combined.  Add in all dry ingredients except the powdered sugar and mix slightly more. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate.  Grab a heaping teaspoon of dough, roll into a ball, and roll in powdered sugar.  Repeat with all remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until dough is set.  Allow to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cooling rack to completely cool.

Think you can commit to these cookies this summer?  You won't be sorry.  They'd be perfect to bring to all those summer parties you'll be attending.  They'll definitely get you some invitations to come back.

Recipe Swap: Blueberry Lemonade Spritzer

This past weekend in Seattle was hot.  When you live in Seattle you get used to the 70 degree temps, so when 90 hits, it's not pretty.  Typically when these hot days come around, I lounge around, complain "it's hot" 105 times and deal with it.  However, this summer is different.....

I have this extra little person to worry about.  (she looks happy here, but trust me, it was a rare moment)  Babies aren't really happy to just sit around and commiserate with you about the heat.  They would prefer you hold them, sweat, and listen to them scream.  And listen we did.  

So when it came time for this month's Burwell General Store Recipe Swap, I knew it would not involve my oven.  I am happy we are back after a little hiatus with the swap, but an extra hot kitchen would just not work.  This was a fun recipe though:

I really never bake with any type of citrus. I like it, but it's rare for me. However, since I was on a baking strike, I had to think of something else.  A refreshing beverage would have to do.

This spritzer came together in no time!   A perfect summer beverage with fresh fruits. The lemons add a tart flavor to balance the sweetness of the berries. Will definitely quench your thirst on a hot day!   

Blueberry Lemonade Spritzer

Serves 2 

1/4 cup blueberries

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, about 1 lemon

sparkling water, or champagne for adults

Muddle blueberries with brown sugar.  You can easily do this with the tip of a wooden spoon in a mug or heavy glass, no need for fancy equipment.

Divide  muddled blueberries evenly among two champagne flutes.  Do the same with the lemon juice.  Top off with sparkling water, or champagne.  Garnish with lemon rind.

Cheers!

Please do look over the recipes from my fellow swappers!  They are such a talented bunch.