When life gives you lemons...

You make lemon cookies, of course (I know - lame, but how could I not start with that?)! Tony asked me to pick up lemons a while ago and for some reason (I think he was making lemon chicken for the boys), I picked up a bag of lemons (read - way too many for him to use up with one dish). This means I get to bake because I hate wasting food! I rarely bake cookies since I go more for muffins or sweet breads, but the boys wanted cookies this go around. So, cookies it is!

Max was very specific that I was not to play around with a recipe and he wanted something chewy on the inside, but crispy on the outside (yeah, he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to say it). So, I went with my gluten free cookie cake recipe. I figured a few changes here and there would make these perfect for lemon cookies...this one worked so well, I can't wait to play with the flavors! The texture was a huge winner. The cookies kept for 3 days in a sealed container on the counter and was perfect for lunch treats!

Gluten Free Dairy Free Lemon Drop Cookies
(makes 36 cookies)


1 cup Earth Balance (soy free)
1 1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs (flax egg works too...2 TBSP mixed with 6 TBSP hot water)
1/2  cup almond flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2/3 cup white rice flour
2/3 cup chickpea flour
2 tsp xanthan gum
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
zest of one lemon
2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup powder sugar

In large bowl, beat the Earth Balance and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well. In a separate bowl, combine the flours, salt, baking soda and xanthan gum. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and beat until well blended. Next add the zest and lemon juice. Refrigerate the cookie dough at least an hour, but over night works best. Scoop cookie dough with a small cookie scoop into the powder sugar; roll around to coat. Place the sugar coated dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

As you can see from the recipe, I didn't lighten these up at all since I was on strict orders for no funny business. I want to play with this base now, but I can assure you these are going on my holiday treat list for gifts. They hold up so well and I love the white on the outside of them!

I'm sharing these on Slightly Indulgent Tuesday and Allergy Free Wednesday.