Pine Nut and Lemon Zest Cookies

Pine Nut and Lemon Zest Cookies – A Delightful Combination of Citrus and Nutty Flavors

Introduction
Pine nut and lemon zest cookies are a wonderfully unique treat that brings together the earthy, buttery flavor of pine nuts with the bright, fresh taste of lemon zest. These cookies are light, slightly crumbly, and have a subtle crunch from the pine nuts. Ideal for tea time, a snack, or a quick dessert, these cookies are both simple to make and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pine nuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fragrant.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until all ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Add the Pine Nuts
   Gently fold in the pine nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to maintain the cookies’ shape while baking.

4. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Shape and Bake the Cookies
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a small ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Gently flatten each ball slightly. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve these delightful pine nut and lemon zest cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a light dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Pine Nut and Lemon Zest Cookies

• Use Fresh Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest gives these cookies their vibrant, citrusy flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it won’t provide the same fresh aroma and taste.
• Toast the Pine Nuts (Optional): For a deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This step enhances their natural oils and aroma.
• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. It also makes shaping the cookies easier.

Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Add a Drizzle of Lemon Icing
   For a touch of extra sweetness and a pop of color, drizzle a simple lemon icing over the cooled cookies. Combine powdered sugar with a small amount of lemon juice, mix until smooth, and drizzle lightly over each cookie.

2. Add Herbs for a Unique Flavor
   If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider adding a touch of fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough. These herbs pair beautifully with the pine nuts and lemon, creating a unique and aromatic twist.

3. Make it Gluten-Free
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to choose a blend that’s made for baking to get the right texture.

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The lemon zest will keep the cookies tasting fresh and fragrant.
• Freezing: If you’d like to make these cookies in advance, the dough freezes well. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Additional Tips and Ideas for Pine Nut and Lemon Zest Cookies

To make these cookies even more delightful, here are some extra tips:

1. Enhanced Lemon Flavor
   For a more intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough. This will amplify the citrusy notes, balancing beautifully with the buttery richness and pine nuts.

2. Sprinkle with Sea Salt
   A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking brings out the flavors and adds a slight savory contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the nutty taste of the pine nuts.

3. Pair with a Hot Beverage
   These cookies are a lovely addition to an afternoon tea or coffee. Their light, crisp texture and refreshing lemon taste pair wonderfully with both hot and iced beverages.

Enjoy the balance of bright lemon and rich pine nuts in these delicious cookies!

Conclusion

Pine nut and lemon zest cookies are a delightful treat that combines nutty richness with bright citrus flavors. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a tea-time treat, or even a homemade gift. Simple to make, with a unique flavor profile, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them!