Indulge in the zesty sweetness of these Lemon Zest and Mint Cream Sandwich Cookies, a perfect combination of tangy lemon and subtle mint, enveloped in a creamy dairy-free filling. These cookies are meticulously crafted to offer a refreshing taste with each bite, featuring a rich, buttery texture and a vibrant lemon flavor. The addition of fresh mint leaves not only enhances the aesthetic but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the citrus notes beautifully.
Why You'll Love This: These cookies are a dairy-free delight, making them accessible to those with dairy sensitivities or preferences. The natural zest of lemon paired with homemade lemon-infused sugar gives these cookies a burst of flavor that is both invigorating and satisfying. The creamy filling, enhanced with lemon extract and a hint of mint, provides a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. These sandwich cookies are a testament to the fact that dietary restrictions do not have to compromise on flavor or enjoyment.
Perfect Occasion: These Lemon Zest and Mint Cream Sandwich Cookies are ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve them at a summer garden party, a casual afternoon tea, or as a refined dessert at a dinner party. They are also perfect for gifting during holidays or special occasions, offering a homemade treat that shows thoughtfulness and care. Additionally, these cookies make a lovely addition to any dessert table, especially at events where a light, fresh option is desired.
Decoration Tips:
- Before sandwiching, dust the top cookies with a fine layer of caster sugar to add texture and a slight crunch.
- Garnish each cookie with a small mint leaf, placing it artfully on the cream to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of color.
- Serve the cookies on a platter with lemon slices and mint sprigs for a decorative and thematic presentation.
- Consider serving them with a lemonade or a mint-infused iced tea to complement the flavors of the cookies.
- Ingredients:
- 100g caster sugar (plus extra for coating)
- Zest of 3 medium lemons
- 200g cold, cubed, dairy-free block butter
- 300g all-purpose flour
- Yellow food gel
- Cream Filling:
- 150g dairy-free butter
- 20g dairy-free cream cheese
- 200g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- Fresh mint leaves
- Instructions:
- Prepare Lemon Sugar: Mix caster sugar and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Make Dough: Cream the butter with a drop of yellow food gel and the lemon sugar until fluffy. Sift in the flour to form a thick dough. Chill wrapped for 40-60 minutes.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat oven to 180°C. Roll out chilled dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Prepare Filling: Whip dairy-free butter and cream cheese. Add icing sugar, lemon extract, and zest. Whip until fluffy, adjusting thickness with dairy-free milk if needed.
- Assemble Cookies: Sugar-coat half the cookies. Pipe filling on the unsugared cookies, top with a sugared cookie, and add a mint leaf.
Enjoy these deliciously refreshing Lemon Zest and Mint Cream Sandwich Cookies, a perfect treat that combines the zest of citrus with the coolness of mint in a delightful dairy-free package!
