These Lemon-Filled Sandwich Cookies are a delightful vintage treat, perfect for tea parties, holidays, or any occasion where a delicate, zesty dessert is welcome. The cookie dough includes chopped pecans and a hint of vanilla, giving each bite a nutty richness that complements the tangy lemon filling. Light, crisp, and sandwiched with a tart-sweet lemon buttercream, these cookies are a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts and showcase classic American baking traditions from mid-20th-century kitchens.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 2 eggs (separated)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup pecans (chopped )
Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp butter (softened )
- 1 tsp lemon rind (grated )
- 4½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dough
- Separate the eggs; reserve the whites for later.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, water, and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda until dough forms.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
Step 2: Chill & Shape
- Divide dough in half and shape each into a 1½" x 7" log.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Step 3: Slice & Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Slice each log into ⅛” thick rounds.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets about 1” apart.
Step 4: Bake Cookies
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on wire racks.
Step 5: Make Lemon Filling
- Cream together powdered sugar, softened butter, lemon rind, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
Step 6: Assemble Sandwiches
- Spread lemon filling on the bottom of one cookie and top with another.
- Repeat until all cookies are sandwiched.
Tips
- Chill the dough longer if your kitchen is warm; firmer dough slices more cleanly.
- Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Substitute pecans with finely chopped walnuts for a different nutty profile.
- Roll dough logs in parchment paper to maintain perfectly round diameter.
- Use a microplane for very fine lemon zest to avoid bitterness.
- For crispier cookies, slice slightly thinner than 1/8 inch.
- Add a small pinch of salt to the filling to enhance brightness.
- For a festive look, dust finished cookies with powdered sugar.
- Replace lemon juice with Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter, floral filling.
- Freeze shaped logs up to 2 months; thaw slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1.3gFat: 5.5gSaturated Fat: 2.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.7gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 28mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 8.5gVitamin A: 115IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.4mg
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