Lemon Sandwich Cookies Recipe | PBS Food

Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Make orange sandwich cookies by switching out the lemon zest for orange zest.

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Prep time: 45 Minutes

Total time: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes

Yield: Makes 3 Dozen

Course:

    Ingredients

  • 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled) plus more for rolling
  • 2 table spoons granulated sugar for sprinkling
  • 4 ounces bar cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 9from 1 lemon)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

    Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, and salt, until combined. With mixer on low, add flour 9dough will still be stiff); finish mixing with a wooden spoon.
  2. Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, pat into a disk about 1/4 inch thick. Wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour (and up to 3 days).
  3. Unwrap dough; place on a lightly floured piece of parchment or waxed paper. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough about 1/8 inch thick (if dough cracks, let it warm up slightly).
  4. Cut out cookies with a 1 1/2-inch round cutter (re-roll scraps once, chilling of too soft). Place 1 inch apart on two baking sheets; sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until barely beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes; transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  5. Form sandwiches: Place about 1 teaspoon Creamy Lemon Filling between two cookies, sugared sides facing out; squeeze gently.
  6. Creamy Lemon Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and zest until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup confectioners' sugar, missing until smooth. Mix in remaining sugar as necessary to create a firm but spreadable filling.