Homemade Girl Scout Cookies Lemon Ups New Cookie for 2020 Season 4 Boxes Recipe: Brighten Your Day with Every Bite

Introduction

The Lemon Ups, introduced by Girl Scout Cookies in 2020, quickly became a favorite for their vibrant lemon flavor and delightful texture. These cookies, with their soft center and crunchy exterior, offer a refreshing twist on traditional Girl Scout treats. Making them at home allows you to enjoy them year-round, with the added benefits of healthier ingredients and customization. Imagine the joy of biting into a citrusy, sweet cookie, knowing you crafted it with care and quality ingredients. This recipe captures that magic, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the original, if not more so.

Why Make It at Home?

Crafting Lemon Ups at home means you can control the ingredients, reducing sugar content and using fresh, high-quality components. It's cost-effective and allows for creativity, whether you're tweaking the flavor or accommodating dietary needs. Plus, there's the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

Personal Anecdote

As a long-time fan of Girl Scout Cookies, I've always cherished their seasonal availability. But when I discovered the joy of homemade versions, I knew I had to recreate the Lemon Ups. There's something special about having that citrusy zing whenever the craving strikes, and sharing these treats with friends and family who delight in their freshness and flavor.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:20 minutes
• **Cook Time:12-15 minutes
• **Total Time:40-50 minutes
• **Yield:24-30 cookies

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2g) baking soda
• 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) confectioner's sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (180g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5g) grated lemon zest
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp (2g) vanilla extract

Coating:

• 1 cup (120g) confectioner's sugar

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar. Set aside.

• Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice, zest, egg, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.

• Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

• Scoop Dough: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, placing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

• Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on sheets for 5 minutes.

• Coat with Sugar: While warm, toss cookies in confectioner's sugar to coat. Place on wire racks to cool completely.

Storage Instructions

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer freshness.

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Replace lemon with lime or orange zest for different flavors.
• Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls, baking sheets, zester, electric mixer, cookie scoop.

Pro Tips

• Soften Butter: Ensure butter is softened for optimal creaming.
• Chill Dough: Chilling helps cookies retain shape and bake up tender.
• Coat Warm: Toss in powdered sugar while warm for best adhesion.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Bottled Lemon Juice: Use fresh for best flavor.
• No Oven: Pan-fry dough balls lightly until golden.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Storage: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Ahead Prep: Make dough ahead and freeze for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with a cup of tea, as a dessert, or use in trifles. They also make a great base for cheesecake or as a crunchy snack.

Conclusion

This recipe brings the beloved Lemon Ups into your home, offering a fresh, zesty treat with the flexibility to make it healthier or unique to your taste. Share the joy of these homemade cookies, crafted with love and care, and savor the bright citrus flavor in every bite.