LEMON-LIME CHRISTMAS TREES

By gstark

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Note: This recipe must be prepared in advance. From Joan Hause of Lake Elmo.

Ingredients

• For cookies:
• 3 3/4 c. flour, plus extra for rolling dough
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 11/2 c. granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp. lemon extract
• 1 tsp. yellow food coloring, optional
• For icing:
• 3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 c. powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp. freshly grated lime zest
• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tsp. green food coloring
• Decorative sugar, optional

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and reserve. In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat 2 sticks butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add granulated sugar and mix until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add lemon juice, lemon extract and yellow food coloring, if desired, and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture and mix until just combined. Form dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 325 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a Christmas tree cookie cutter, cut out trees and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, re-rolling and re-cutting dough until all is used.

Bake until cookies are set but not hard, 5minutes (confirmed) using CONVECTION
Remove from oven and cool cookies on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To prepare icing: In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and 3 tablespoons butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add powdered sugar and mix until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add lime zest, lime juice and food coloring and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Ice cookies, and decorate with colored sugar, if desired.