Sunshine Cookies

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Sunshine cookies are not just your regular cookies. They are harbingers of positivity, love, and sweet cravings. Whenever you take a bite, it’s as if you’re immersing yourself into a clear, radiant morning, the sun shining down brightly, giving you a burst of energy and happiness. And if you’re wondering why the name “Sunshine Cookies,” it’s not only because they are packed with flavors bright as sunshine but also for the golden hue, which indeed is reminiscent of a heartfelt sunrise.

Each cookie carries a golden, sun-like glow, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of citrus, just enough to transport you to a sunny beach vacation or a bright spring morning in the middle of a dull winter’s day or a tiring workweek. Not to forget, the preparation process itself is a flavor-filled journey, a therapeutic experience that wraps you with its warmth and heartiness.

How to make Sunshine Cookies

Sunshine Cookies are a type of cookie that typically includes ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and sometimes additions like lemon zest or lemon extract to give them a bright, citrusy flavor reminiscent of sunshine. They’re often soft and chewy, with a delightful hint of tanginess from the lemon flavoring.

Ingredients:

For The Cookie Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one large lemon, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For The Sunshine Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. Blend the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Once everything is well mixed, you’ll have your cookie dough ready.
3. Shape the Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake these in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Sunshine Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth.
6. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread the sunshine glaze on top of each cookie using a spoon or a pastry brush.
7. Let it Set: Let the cookies set until the glaze hardens.

Tips:

• Consistent Size: Ensure each cookie is the same size so they all bake evenly.
• Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too soft, feel free to chill it for around 30 – 60 minutes. This makes handling easier and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

what to serve with

These citrusy delights are perfect but imagine elevating the experience with carefully chosen pairings.

Beverages:

1. Tea Selections:

• Earl Grey: The bergamot in Earl Grey mirrors the citrus notes in the cookies, creating harmony in each sip and bite.
• Chamomile Tea: For a cozy, relaxing afternoon, the floral notes of chamomile tea pair wonderfully with the brightness of the cookies.

2. Coffee:

• Iced Latte: A cool, creamy iced latte provides a delightful contrast to the tangy zest of the cookies, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Espresso: For coffee lovers, the rich, intense flavor of espresso complements the sweetness and citrus notes, enhancing the taste experience.

3. Cold Beverages:

• Lemonade: Amplify the lemony zest with a glass of homemade lemonade, creating a refreshing and revitalizing pairing.
• Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime keeps things refreshing without overwhelming the cookie’s flavors.

Treats & Snacks:

1. Fruit Platters:

• Berries & Citrus Segments: A fruit platter featuring strawberries, blueberries, and segments of orange or grapefruit can complement the cookies with natural sweetness and a touch of acidity.
• Tropical Fruits: Mango, pineapple, and papaya slices offer a tropical vibe that pairs beautifully with the lemony taste of the cookies.

2. Cheese & Charcuterie:

• Soft Cheeses: Try serving your Sunshine Cookies with a side of creamy, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. The rich, smooth texture of the cheese pairs well with the crispiness of the cookies.

3. Yogurt or Ice Cream:

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside or topped with crumbled Sunshine Cookies creates a simple yet sublime dessert.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier pairing, dollop some Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey alongside the cookies. The yogurt’s tartness perfectly complements the lemony zest.

4. Nuts and Chocolate:

• Dark Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, pieces of dark chocolate or a chocolate fondue to dip the cookies in can introduce a luxurious bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re eager to bake a batch of Sunshine Cookies but need an ingredient or two, don’t fret! Many ingredients can be substituted without compromising the delectable flavors and textures that make these cookies so special.

Flour:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend is an excellent substitute. These blends are designed to mimic the texture and properties of all-purpose flour.

Sugar:

• Brown Sugar: If you’re out of white sugar, brown sugar can be used in its place for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. This may slightly affect the color and flavor profile.
• Coconut Sugar: For a less processed alternative, coconut sugar works beautifully, offering a subtle coconut flavor.

Butter:

• Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil can be used instead of butter. It should be solid at room temperature to mimic the consistency of softened butter.
• Margarine: Another alternative is margarine, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture. When creaming with sugar, ensure it’s at room temperature.

Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice:

• Orange or Lime: If you don’t have lemons, orange or lime can be used to maintain the citrus note in both the cookies and the glaze.
• Vinegar: In the absence of lemon juice, especially for the glaze, a bit of white vinegar can be used to achieve acidity, though it’s best to do so sparingly due to its strong flavor.

Final Thoughts

That’s it! You’re ready to enjoy your tasty and energizing sunshine cookies, a perfect match to your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat anytime. Happy baking!

More Cookies Recipes:

• Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies
• Potbelly’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe
• Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar
• Cookie Sandwich Recipe