Introduction
These Soft Lemon Biscuits are delightfully tender, bursting with citrus flavor, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Their light texture, delicate sweetness, and zesty brightness make them a refreshing treat that’s both comforting and elegant.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
Lemon biscuits draw inspiration from traditional Mediterranean and European baking, where citrus fruits—especially lemons—play a central role in desserts. These types of cookies are popular in Italy, Greece, and the Levant, where they symbolize freshness, hospitality, and the arrival of spring. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture resembles shortbread or Italian biscotti morbidi, offering a light but satisfying end to a meal.
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Ingredients Quantity
For the Biscuits:
2 eggs
100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
80 ml (⅓ cup) sunflower oil
Zest of 1 lemon
50 ml (3 tablespoons) lemon juice
380 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
12 g (2½ teaspoons) baking powder
For Dusting:
80 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
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Optional Additions
1 tsp vanilla extract (adds a creamy undertone)
A pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra softness)
Lemon glaze drizzle (for a glossy finish)
Yellow food coloring (for visual brightness)
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Tips for Success
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum flavor.
Don’t overmix the dough; stop once it comes together.
Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it’s too sticky to shape.
Roll cookies in powdered sugar generously before baking for the signature crinkle effect.
Do not overbake. They should be soft and pale, not browned.
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Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until creamy. Add oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Sift in flour and baking powder. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape biscuits: Scoop dough into small balls (about 1 inch). Roll generously in powdered sugar.
5. Bake: Place on baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until set but still soft.
6. Cool: Let rest on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
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Description
These biscuits are light and cakey inside with a crinkled, sweet powdered sugar crust outside. The lemon zest and juice infuse each bite with vibrant citrus flavor, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s refreshing, delicate, and satisfying.
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Nutritional Information (Approximate per biscuit – makes 20–24)
Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 8g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 45mg
Values may vary slightly based on size and dusting.
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Conclusion
These soft lemon biscuits are an easy yet impressive treat, perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you crave something sweet but not heavy. Their bright lemon flavor and tender crumb make them irresistible for all ages.
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Recommendation
Serve with a cup of chamomile or green tea, or pair with berries and whipped cream for a more elegant dessert. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days—or freeze for longer freshness.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a lighter version, reduce the sugar slightly or swap half for a natural sweetener like coconut sugar. Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber without sacrificing softness. Either way, these biscuits prove you can indulge with balance—enjoying flavor, joy, and health all at once.