Last updated on November 30th, 2023
Enjoy the delightful lemon flavor burst of Panera Lemon Drop Cookies, right from your own kitchen. We’re going to take you on a tasty adventure that will allow you to whip up our own version of this delightful lemon treat right at home! No long lines, no fuss, just a batch of scrumptious lemon cookies ready in about 15 minutes. Isn’t that a winner?
Now, before we dive headfirst into this scrumptious endeavor, let’s remember that we have a couple of things to take care of. We round up our ingredients and understand some nifty little modifications we can make to fit our own taste buds. So, get your apron on, and let’s start baking!
The Story Behind Panera Lemon Drop Cookies
So, wondering what’s up with these Panera Lemon Drop Cookies? Why all the fuss, you ask? Well, you see, these soft and chewy cookies are the brainchild of this cafe called Panera Bread. They stumbled upon this perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors and created this delightful cookie. What started as a simple addition to their menu rapidly became a sensation. We’re talking sweet but not too sweet, with a pop of lemon flavor that makes you sit up and take notice.
With our copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookie recipe, you’ll be creating your own delightful lemon sensations in no time. This isn’t no rocket science, folks. Just a good mix of flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and a wee bit of salt, and voila, you’re halfway there!
Unpacking the Ingredients for the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe
Alrighty, before we get down to the nitty-gritty of baking, let’s take a minute to chat about our friendly neighborhood ingredients. Trust me, folks, ain’t nothing scary here. Just a simple list of everyday items that team up to create our delightful, lemony treats. So pull up a chair, and let’s get acquainted, shall we?
Equipment You’ll Require
Now, let’s talk about some weaponry – some kitchen weaponry, that is. Cause we ain’t baking nothing without the right tools. First off, you’re gonna need a kitchen scale. Accuracy matters, folks. You shouldn’t be eyeballing this. Too much flour or not enough sugar, and your cookies end up tasting like cardboard. And you haven’t got time for that!
Essential Ingredients to Bring the Lemon Flavor Forward
Now onto our star performers who’ll bring out that lemony goodness we’ve been raving about. We’re talking granulated sugar, an egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Round it all off with some white chocolate chips or chunks and you’re in for a delightful flavor roller coaster ride. Make sure all that sugar and lemon are mixed in well to get that tangy sweetness we’re after.
Oh, and let’s not forget our trusty baking friend – powdered sugar. That’s what gives our cookies that delicious, frosty look.
Additional Ingredients That Add a Sweet Touch
Now that we got the main parts covered, let’s look at some extras that really amp up our cookie game. We’re talking softened butter, lemon and white chocolate chips, corn starch, and a touch of salt. That butter’s gonna give our lemon drop cookies their soft, chewy texture, while the white chocolate chips add a sweet twang. That cornstarch, it’s gonna make our cookies nice and tender. And that touch of sweetness? That comes from that dusting of powdered sugar right on top!
Mastering the Method: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this step-by-step and master our Panera Lemon Drop Cookie recipe.
Starting off Right – Mixing The Dough
Alright, let’s dive right into our copycat Panera Lemon Drop cookie recipe. So, for the beginning – the dough. This is the magic lump that will transform into soft and chewy lemony goodness. Start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. No need to rush this part, let it get all smooth and happy. Next, you’re gonna want to crack in 1 egg. Now, don’t be afraid to get a little messy here. It’s all part of the fun.
Baking to Perfection – Temperature and Time
The dough’s ready and now it’s time for the oven. Preheat that bad boy to 350 degrees. Get your hands in there and scoop out the cookie dough. Don’t be shy, you want these cookies to weigh around 55 grams each. Drop them onto the baking sheet like they’re hot and let them bake. The timing is everything here. We’re talking 10 minutes of baking time. No more, no less.
Why Exact Baking Times Are Crucial
Now, why the fuss about exact baking times, you might ask? Well, let me tell you. When it comes to baking, time and temperature are like a dance partner. If they’re not in sync, things can get messy really quickly. Too little time and your cookies will be doughy. Too much and they’ll come out harder than the bricks on Main Street. That’s why following the exact baking time is more important than remembering your wedding anniversary. Well, almost.
Creative Variations to Elevate the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe
Now, this isn’t just any cookie recipe. It’s a copycat Panera Lemon Drop cookie recipe, which means we’re aiming for that soft and chewy texture, right? But hey, there’s always room for a little creativity. You wanna make these cookies your own? Go ahead. Add in some white chocolate chips. Maybe a little sprinkle of sea salt for contrast. Who’s stopping you? This is your kitchen, your rules.
Perfect Pairings for These Cookies
So you’ve baked these divine lemon drop cookies and they’re sitting pretty on your kitchen counter. What’s next? Well, consider the pairing. Now, these cookies pack a punch with their citrusy tang. You’d want something that’ll complement that zest. A cup of chamomile tea, maybe? Or better yet, a glass of cold milk. Trust me, nothing compares to the delight of dunking a soft, chewy cookie into a cold glass of milk.
Wine Pairings for Lemon Drop Cookies
Now, I’m not suggesting you get all fancy on me. But if you do wanna cradle a glass of wine while munching on these cookies, I’d say go for something sweet yet crisp. A Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc perhaps? The slight sweetness will play well with the acidity of the lemon, and the crispness will balance out the chewiness of the cookie. But, hey, this isn’t wine class. You do you.
Wrapping It Up
It all boils down to enjoying the simple, yet exhilarating process of transforming straightforward ingredients into a delectable treat, akin to those lemon drop cookies you’d get at Panera Bread. Sure, it’s a recipe straight from a professional baker’s handbook but fear not, it’s some easy stuff.
So what are you waiting for? Roll up those sleeves, fire up the oven, and get cooking. It’s time to bring the magic of Panera Bread right into your kitchen.
Panera Lemon Drop Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Adding Wet Ingredients:
- Crack in the egg and continue mixing until well combined.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Incorporating White Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Scooping and Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Using a kitchen scale, scoop out portions of dough weighing around 55 grams each.
- Place the dough portions on a baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Baking Time:
- Bake in the preheated oven for precisely 10 minutes. Do not exceed this time to ensure a perfect texture.
7. Cooling and Dusting:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
Notes
- For a burst of freshness, consider adding a bit more lemon zest.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the ideal cookie texture.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a fun variation in presentation.
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