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If you love lemon cookies, you'll flip over these fabulous Lemon and White Chocolate Sugar Cookies! My husband says they're so good you could "charge admission" for them!
I've been on a quest. A quest that's led me down lots of dead ends and one way streets. But I've finally found my way, and I'm super excited. Scott says the final result (these Lemon and White Chocolate Sugar Cookies) is so good that I should "charge admission ..."
The search I've been on, for the last week, was for a delicious lemon and white chocolate chip cookie. I tried googling for a recipe, but didn't see anything that looked really great. I just knew it would be a wonderful combination, so I started trying out various popular lemon cookie recipes and adding white chocolate.
I should have bought stock in white chocolate chips and lemons before I got started, as I sure went through a LOT of both of them.
I learned, with the first batch, that my hunch was correct: lemon and white chocolate is a match made in heaven. But there were lots of problems with all of my test cookie versions: too runny, too flat, too soft, too time-consuming, too ugly...
I also went through several other non-lemon cookie recipes, trying to add different combinations of lemon zest, juice and/or extract, along with the white chocolate. No go. While they all tasted decent, none of them were exactly what I wanted: a cookie that was delicious, with lots of bright lemon flavor, pretty to look at, chewy in the center and crisp on the outer edges. I thought a few little crinkles and crackles would be nice too.
Finally I got the idea to adapt one of our favorite cookies ever; these Double Chocolate Sugar Cookies.
I had to do a fair amount of tinkering, but it's just right now; and it only took one bite for Scott to declare, "You should charge admission for these!".
I served one of the earlier versions of these lemon and white chocolate cookies at a very special party over the weekend. Although it wasn't the final edition of the cookies, it didn't seem to matter to the party-goers. It was a party that's become a long-standing tradition here at The Café - we call it a "Middle of the Night Party".
The "invitees" are always the same, our three granddaughters - although they never know that they're invited until minutes before the party starts. You see, they live in England and whenever they visit here in the States or we spend time with them in London, we throw one of these crazy parties.
This is how it works. We set our alarm for the wee hours of the morning. Scott and I get up and then, one by one, wake up the girls. We gently tap them on the head till they arouse a bit. Then we ask the big question: "Do you want to go back to sleep OR do you want to have a middle of the night party?". The answer is always the same - a very decisive: "MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT PARTY!".
We lead them downstairs to a little table that's been set up with fun china, candles, pretty glassware, colorful napkins etc. There's always a special treat and little candies along with glasses of cold milk, lemonade or hot chocolate. We talk, laugh, play a short game and sometimes, even light sparklers out on the front porch.
We also sing. It used to be just fun random kids songs, but last summer Papa Scott added a new spin to the beloved tradition. He wrote a song called "Middle of the Night Party". The girls loved it immediately and learned the words quickly, deciding on solos for themselves. It's now part of the tradition and a song you'll hear them singing; even when it's not the middle of the night!
I videoed them with my iPhone this time and thought you might enjoy it.
I'm thinking Papa and the girls are the ones who should charge admission...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ej2xK6O5Uk&feature=youtu.be
We took our little family from England to the airport on Sunday, since it was time for them to head back. It was a wonderful visit and our Middle of the Night Party will be a treasured memory during the long months ahead when we're apart.
Whether you're having a party, or just want to celebrate an ordinary day, these delicious Lemon and White Chocolate Sugar Cookies are sure to be a hit! Oh, and if you decide to charge admission, cut me in on the profits!
Lemon and White Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- zest of 1 medium size lemon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 14 tablespoons butter
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 large egg, plus one egg yolk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, or 6 ounces white chocolate
- ½ cup Demera or Turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place chocolate chips (or white chocolate) on a cutting board and, with a large, sharp knife, coarsely chop them. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, lemon zest, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave on high power. This should take 1-1 ½ minutes, depending on the microwave. Allow the butter to cool for 5 minutes. It should warm to the touch, not hot. Add the sugar, vanilla and lemon extract. Mix with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until smooth.
- Add the egg and egg yolk and mix until well combined.
- Add flour mixture and stir just until combined and flour is incorporated. Mixture will be thick. Add white chocolate and mix to combine. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Place Demera (or Turbinado) sugar in a shallow bowl. Remove dough from refrigerator, scoop up and roll into balls, about 2 tablespoons for each cookie. I like to use an ice cream scoop. Roll the balls in the Demera sugar and place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with a bit more Demera sugar.
- Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, until they have puffed and are slightly golden at edges, about 12-14 minutes. Be careful not to over bake the cookies or they will be dry. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love these cookies, Chris! Love the lemon and white chocolate combo!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I'm going to be singing, "It's the middle of the night" all night long now! Aren't they cute and each one has such a distinct personality. I'm in love.
I'm also in love with these white chocolate and lemon cookies. Wow.
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
Your middle-of-the night surprise party sounds perfect for little girls and the highlight must be these divine cookies. You guys have such fun! I would gladly pay admission for the cookies.
Sam
Betsy says
they look just perfect! I was just sure, while I was reading, that you had used cream of tarter to get the crackly look but you hadn't! Ha. I've pinned this to try! Yum!
Jemma says
Hi Chris!
Happy New Year too! Everything looks wonderful in your world.
These cookies look heaven sent and so do those grandchildren!
Pinned as well!
Hugs,
Jemma
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
I swear the two of you are the best grandparents ever! You know I absolutely love this tradition of yours and the addition of the song is just perfect. Those girls couldn't be sweeter and your cookies were such a perfect treat!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
Happy New Year!! I love that you completely tested these cookies and this version is good enough for the blog. That is my stamp of approval and will have to make these soon. Will be pinning!!!
Regina says
Sounds like you might have to include little luke next time.
And who ate all the reject cookies???????
Liz says
Oh, boy, you developed a winner for sure! I love Scott's comment--so true! And I may have to make at least one batch before getting on the healthy band wagon 😉 You two are such fun grandparents!!! xo
John@Kitchen Riffs says
I'm a lemon freak, so these have my name on them. Wonderful recipe! And terrific photos. Thanks. And Happy New Year!
Lorie says
I am so excited to try this Lemon and White Chocolate cookie recipe. I so love lemon and I love white chocolate. I was looking at doing a lemon cookie and dipping it in white chocolate, but this sounds even more fabulous! I gave the recipe 4 stars only because I have not tried them yet, but I know once I try them, they are bound to be 5 stars for sure.
Thank you so much for sharing the video of those precious granddaughters of yours. The talent truly runs in your family from your talents in the kitchen, Papa Scott and his photography and "song writing" to those granddaughters of yours. What blessings from God you all are. Thank you for continuing to share with us.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
I agree!. You should charge admission for these scrumptious, fun cookies... and the girls for the nice song presentation.
I hope it doesn't take a long time for your family visit you soon.
Ginny Hartzler says
The cookies look perfect! I have never tasted such a flavor, but have no doubt it is divine! LOVE the middle of the night party! It would give the children the idea that they are being ever so naughty, but with permission! In fact, this is a great idea for any grandmother on special occasions!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
What a beautiful sweet treat, but your granddaughters are even sweeter!! I need some green smoothie too.
Monique says
Loveeeee !
So so cute..they could be Lucas Max and Oli..and Noah too..boys are so different though.
Max is pretty excited he is going to see a star at the theatre..Sam Smith I think..
The cookies sound great..
I remember the night party last year..
You could charge for your blog!
Betty says
I love your "middle of the night" party! My grandson would love that. 🙂 He'd love the cookies too- We need some lemony sunshine in this cold weather!
Lorie says
What precious blessings your granddaughters are. The talent definitely runs throughout your family, from your amazing talent in the kitchen, Pappa Scott's photography and song writing skills to your 3 talented granddaughters. Thank you for sharing. As for the Lemon and White Chocolate cookies, I can not wait to make them.
Chit says
Hi Chris and Scott! Adorable grandkids! Nothing more can compare the beautiful memories you will be leaving with your grandkids which they can cherish long after you are both gone! How blessed these beautiful girls are! You grandparents are quite a rarity! Thank you for sharing!
Alicia says
Adorable! I can't let my kids see this or they are going to want a middle of the night party!
Charlotte Moore says
Oh how cute was that video. They did a super job singing. I am impressed with Papa Scott and his lyrics too. Loved it!! Thank you for sharing!! The cookies look delicious too.
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
These look AWESOME! Pinning for later!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Preciousness! Thank you for sharing this sweet video of your darling granddaughters. They will enjoy viewing this video as they get older and will never forge their Middle of the Night PJ parties with you! 🙂 These cookies look out-of-this-world scrumptious! Cannot wait to make them. Definitely will be pinning!
Sandra says
Oh my gosh that was adorable!! You guys have so much fun and thank you for sharing it with us. I'm sure when I make these cookies I'll be humming, "It's the middle of the night." Very catchy tune!!!
Valya @ Valya' s Taste of Home says
Those cookies look so delicious, pictures are so beautiful and..... little girls are sooooo cute!!!
Vetta says
Your grands are adorable! What special grand parents you are, can't wait to make the cookies, but during the day !!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Vetta, we do have a lot of fun with them 🙂