Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Lemon~Pecan Thumbprint Cookies & May's Give-Away Apron

Next to chocolate, lemon was my mother's favorite flavor.  She made the best, by far, Lemon Meringue Pie and Lemon Cheesecake.  Every year, when Mother's Day rolls around, I can't help but miss my mother the most and I envy all of you who still have their moms in their lives. However, creating these cookies in her honor and knowing she would love them, brings me peace and joy that, even for a short time (she passed away at age 67), I was blessed to have such a remarkable woman to guide me.

Thumbprint cookies are one of my favorites to bake because you get that surprise "middle" that enhances it.  I've used King Arthur Flour "Lemon Wafers" for the center, however these could have been replaced with a jam--Raspberry would go lovely because I've used lemon zest in the actual cookie too.

Rolling the cookies in finely chopped pecans is also a tribute to Mom--she loved Butter Pecan and here in the South, pecans are usually the nut of choice.  Again, there's room for substitution with walnuts, macadamia, or maybe pistachio.

Lemon~Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
2 3/4 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

1 - 1/2 cups finely chopped pecan
36 Lemon wafers or jam

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter, then gradually add the granulated sugar.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and add the brown sugar.  Mix again to combine and scraping down the sides of the bow.

Add the egg and vanilla and beat on medium speed.  Add the zest and juice of one lemon and mix again.  The mixture may look a bit curdled, but not to worry.

Add the dry ingredients and mix on medium just to combine...don't over mix.  Measure out "walnut size" balls of dough and roll in the chopped pecans.
Place balls on the prepared baking sheets and lightly press a "thumbprint" in the middle.
Repeat to fill the pan with 12 cookies.
Bake in preheat oven for 12 minutes or until golden brown.  If you're using the Lemon Wafers, immediately place one wafer in the center of cookie after the baking time.  If you're using jam, fill the center of each cookie with about 1/2 tsp. jam before baking.
Cool slightly on the pan (about 5 minutes) then transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely.  Once the cookies have cooled, the centers should be firm enough to pack in a cookie jar, or send along to my favorite sister who is still recuperating from surgery at home:-D  Recipe makes 3 dozen cookies.
Enjoy!

The apron this month is also in memory of my mom who loved the color pink.  I helped her wallpaper (one wall) and paint her master bedroom pink and you know what...my Dad didn't even mind sleeping in a pink bedroom because it made her happy!  The fabric is filled with beautiful Cosmos and if you would like to be wearing this lovely apron, just comment on any of the posts this month and I could be sending it out to you in June.  Good Luck~



18 comments:

  1. I love this post about Mom, cookies, and the beautiful apron! Thank you. And thank you for the cookies that will be coming today! Love you so much.

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    1. Love you so much--you're my rock and I'm glad you're on the mend. I have projects for us to do:-D

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  2. The cookies look so good. I hope your sister is feeling better soon. Gorgeous apron for May.
    hugs,
    Linda

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    1. Thanks...on the mend, but slowly. How's the move coming with your mom? You're so lucky to have her in your life:-D

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  3. The apron fabric is beautiful. I still wear mine, and think of you, and the Sisterhood which was such a happy time. Do you know where the sisterhood apron ended up?

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    1. I don't, but you could ask Meggie if she ever got it back after traveling.

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  4. This is a wonderful tribute to your mom, Susan. Those lemon wafers make these cookies are really special.

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  5. A lovely tribute to your mother,Susan. My dear Mama died at that same age. I miss her so much! We both are very lucky to have mothers that taught us so much. My Mama would have loved these cookies. xoxo ♥

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    1. My thoughts go out to you--it's hard on Mother's Day. We are lucky though, XOXO

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  6. Those cookies sound very good for those who love lemon. The May apron is beautiful as all your aprons are. Good health wishes to your sis as she recuperates. She's not doing this just to get more cookies is she? I'm sure that there are easier ways...

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  7. I totally empathize about Mother's Day--my Mom just passed 11 months ago the 5th of May--this was a hard one for me. I LOVE your aprons--just gorgeous...hugs, Julierose

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  8. What pretty fabric for a Spring apron! You are always so sweet Sis! Enjoy your day. Hugs, Diane

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  9. What a pretty apron and a great reminder of your mom. The lemon cookies sound wonderful.

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  10. Wow! lemon fingerprint cookies! I'm in! I remember when my boys were small we used to make the peanut-butter ones with the chocolate kisses on them. thanks for reminding me of this memory.
    Lovely apron.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  11. A very special Thank You to all your wonderful friends for their good wishes as I recuperate from my surgeries!

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  12. Wonderful post on your Mom--recipe looks fabulous--missing my Mom on my first birthday without her this May 12th...thanks for the chance hugs, Julierose

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  13. Your sister is so lucky to be receiving a yummy batch of cookies. That should make her feel better as she recuperates. The apron is soooo pretty! What a sweet giveaway!

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