Skip to main content

Lemon Poppyseed Cookies

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 30

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 3 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest (2 to 3 lemons)
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring the lemon juice to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook until reduced by half. Add 1 stick butter; stir until melted.

    Step 2

    Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream the remaining stick butter and 1 cup sugar on medium speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix in the egg and lemon butter. Mix until pale, about 3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla and 2 teaspoons zest. Mix in the flour mixture and poppy seeds.

    Step 3

    Stir together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons zest. Roll spoonfuls of dough into 1 1/4-inch balls; roll them in the sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press each with the flat end of a glass dipped in the sugar mixture until 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with seeds.

    Step 4

    Bake until just browned around bottom edges, 10 to 11 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
With a gingery egg drop, lots of kale, and toast on the side.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.