Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle
Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle is one of those treats that can brighten up any gathering or simply satisfy a craving for something sweet and crunchy. I remember making it for the first time during a family get-together, and it quickly became a cherished favorite. The zesty burst of lemon combined with the nutty flavor of almonds creates a delightful balance that leaves everyone reaching for more. As the cookies baked, the sweet aroma filled our home, drawing family members into the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the first taste. It’s the perfect recipe to share, as it’s easy to prepare and always impresses. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just looking for a snack, Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle is sure to be a hit!
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
20 mins
20 mins
Easy
130 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
7 g
Wooden Spoon, Grater, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Oven
Why This Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle Hits Different
1. A Unique Flavor Combination
The harmony of lemon and almond is what makes this cookie brittle truly special. The bright citrus notes complement the rich, nutty flavor of the almonds, creating a delicious experience in every bite. It’s a flavor profile that stands out among the usual cookie offerings!
2. Crunchy Texture
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle is its satisfying crunch. Each piece breaks apart with a delightful snap, making it perfect for snacking. It’s a texture that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
3. Easy to Make
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find that whipping up a batch of Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning treat ready to impress!
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or simply a cozy evening at home, this cookie brittle fits any setting. It’s versatile enough to serve as a snack, dessert, or even a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
5. Great for Sharing
This recipe yields plenty of pieces, making it ideal for sharing. You can package up some pieces in nice boxes or jars for gifts, or simply serve them on a platter for guests to enjoy. Everyone appreciates a home-baked treat!
6. Store and Enjoy Later
Once made, this brittle can be stored easily, allowing you to enjoy it well beyond the initial baking day. It maintains its crunchiness and flavor for quite some time, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
Ingredient List for Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle
The ingredients in Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle come together beautifully, each playing a pivotal role in the final product. The key players are the butter, which provides richness; the granulated sugar, imparting sweetness; and the almonds, introducing a delightful crunch. The addition of lemon zest gives a refreshing twist that brightens the flavor profile, making these cookies irresistible.
- Butter (3/4 cup or 1½ sticks): At room temperature, it ensures easy mixing and a rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the batter, creating that delightful balance with the lemon.
- Lemon Zest (1½ teaspoons): Adds a fragrant, zesty kick that elevates the entire cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Forms the structure of the cookie, creating a perfect base.
- Toasted Sliced Almonds (1 cup): adds a nutty crunch and complements the lemon.
- Sifted Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light dusting adds a sweet finish to the cookie pieces.
Recipe Directions for Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle
Creating Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle is a delightful process that brings together all your favorite flavors. Follow these steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. This initial step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them a lovely golden color.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy. This will help aerate the butter, giving your cookies a nice texture.
- Add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt to the butter. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. This mixing incorporates air, making for lighter cookies.
- Gradually beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Once the mixture becomes too thick, switch to a wooden spoon to stir in any remaining flour, lemon zest, and 1/3 cup of the almonds. This helps prevent overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch rimmed baking sheet. Be sure to spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Sprinkle the remaining almonds over the top of the dough, pressing them lightly into the surface. This not only adds flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary; you want them to be just golden, not overbaked.
- Once baked, cool the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is important because it allows the cookies to set properly.
- If desired, sprinkle the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. This step adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Finally, break or cut the cookie sheet into pieces. Enjoy your Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle with friends, or store it for later!
Things Worth Knowing
- Let it Cool: Always allow your cookies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and become easier to cut or break apart.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, stop mixing as soon as everything is combined to ensure a tender texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your butter, lemon zest, and almonds are fresh. This will significantly enhance the taste.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Substitutions and Tips
When it comes to making Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle, there are several tips and tricks that can make your baking experience easier and enhance your results.
- Storage: To keep your cookie brittle crisp, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge as moisture can make it soggy.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare in advance, break the cooled cookie into pieces and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Pairing: Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast!
- Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding other flavors such as orange zest or different nuts like walnuts or pecans for a unique twist.
- Presentation: For a lovely presentation, package pieces in decorative bags or jars tied with ribbon for gifts.
What to Serve Alongside Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle
- Tea Parties: These cookies are a delightful addition to any tea party, offering a sweet treat that complements various types of tea.
- Holiday Gatherings: Their festive look and flavor make them perfect for holidays like Christmas or Easter.
- Casual Gatherings: Serve them at family gatherings or picnics, where their crunchy texture will be a crowd-pleaser.
- Gifts: Package them nicely as gifts for friends or family, ideal for any occasion.
- Storage Tips: Store your leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days!
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle is a delightful treat that combines bright flavors and satisfying crunch. This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. I encourage you to try making it yourself; you won’t be disappointed! With its irresistible taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
Lemon Almond Cookie Brittle
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1½ teaspoons Lemon Zest finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Toasted Sliced Almonds coarsely chopped
- Sifted Powdered Sugar for dusting the top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt; beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. When it becomes too thick, stir in any remaining flour, lemon zest, and 1/3 cup of the almonds with a wooden spoon.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining almonds over the top; press lightly into the surface.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Break or cut into pieces.
Notes
- Tip 1: To freeze, break the cooled cookie into pieces. Place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw in the container at room temperature for 15 minutes.
