Our April Cookie-of-the-Month is a unique twist on an Italian Cookie. Traditional versions are often flavored with anise, which for many is not a favorite flavor. This version is full of bright lemon flavor instead. Citrus is such a happy way to welcome in spring.
In a recent study, it was found that lemons were perhaps the first fruit to arrive in the Mediterranean around the time of Jesus. They were brought over from southeast Asia. Researchers in Tel Aviv studied ancient art, textiles, and texts as well as plant fossils of grains and seeds to find out when lemons were introduced into the culture. The remains of the earliest lemon were found in the Roman Forum and date to around the time of Jesus Christ. Today, citrus orchards are a major part of the landscape in the Mediterranean and one of their most important cultivated fruits.
ITALIAN SPRING COOKIES
- 2 cups flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter or shortening
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
Icing Ingredients:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- Sprinkles
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and the salt. Set aside.
Cream together the sugar and butter. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon extract (and optional lemon zest). Add the flour, baking powder and salt mixture and mix until blended.
Use the two-spoon method, drop tablespoon-sized pieces of dough onto parchment lined cookie sheets. Then, roll each piece into a ball.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until firm and barely browned. Cool completely on wire racks.
Combine all the frosting ingredients and mix until smooth (adjust the milk if the icing is too stiff or too loose).
Dip the cooled cookies into the icing and put back on the wire rack (place a cookie sheet under the rack to catch drips). Sprinkle with sprinkles and let harden. If you want a thinner layer of glaze, halve the frosting recipe and add a bit more milk.
PC: Ann Kirsten
“And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.” Leviticus 23:40
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