Description
These Panera White Chocolate Lemon Drop Cookies are a delightful blend of tangy lemon and sweet white chocolate, creating a soft, chewy treat perfect for any occasion. With a hint of lemon extract and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on classic white chocolate cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
For Dusting
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: Cream the butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until well blended. Then fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Chill dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to allow it to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Shape cookies: Remove the chilled dough and roll it into balls about 2 tablespoons each. The dough might be crumbly but will smooth as you roll. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet with at least 2 inches spacing. Slightly flatten each ball by hand to help them spread evenly during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until their edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for at least 5 minutes.
- Cool and dust: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. When fully cooled, dust each cookie with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough helps to prevent spreading, ensuring thicker, chewier cookies.
- Slightly flattening the dough balls before baking allows for even cookie shape and texture.
- Use fresh lemon extract for the best vibrant lemon flavor.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
