Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe

If you’re a fan of Panera Lemon Drop Cookie, you’ll be excited to know that you can make them at home with this easy recipe. These cookies are a fun twist on the classic sugar cookie, with a hint of white chocolate and a bright lemon flavor. Plus, you’ll save money by making them yourself instead of buying them from the bakery.

To make these cookies, you’ll need basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, as well as a few special ingredients like lemon zest and white chocolate chips. The dough comes together quickly and easily, and then just needs to chill in the fridge for a bit before baking. The end result is a chewy, buttery cookie with a sweet-tart lemon flavor that’s sure to please.

Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite bakery treat at home or just want to try something new, this Panera Lemon Drop Cookie recipe is a great choice. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time. So grab your apron and get baking!

Origins

Panera Bread is a popular bakery-cafe chain that was founded in 1981 in Kirkwood, Missouri. The bakery-cafe chain is known for its freshly baked bread, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. One of the most popular pastries on the menu is the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie.

The origins of the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie can be traced back to the early 2000s when the bakery-cafe chain was experimenting with new cookie recipes. The Panera team wanted to create a cookie that was both sweet and tangy, and that would pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. After many trials and errors, they finally found the perfect recipe for the Lemon Drop Cookie.

The Lemon Drop Cookie is made with simple ingredients such as butter, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and fresh lemon juice and zest. The combination of the sweet and tangy flavors makes it a favorite among Panera customers.

Popularity

The Panera Lemon Drop Cookie quickly became a fan favorite and is now one of the most popular items on the menu. The cookie’s popularity can be attributed to its unique flavor profile and its soft and chewy texture.

The Panera Lemon Drop Cookie has also gained popularity outside of the bakery-cafe chain. Many people have tried to replicate the recipe at home, and there are now many copycat recipes available online.

Despite the popularity of the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie, the bakery-cafe chain has not made any significant changes to the recipe over the years. The cookie remains a simple yet delicious treat that is enjoyed by many.

Overall, the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie has become a staple item on the Panera menu and is a beloved treat among customers.

To make the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie, you will need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The recipe requires a combination of dry and wet ingredients, which are listed below.

Dry Ingredients

The dry ingredients needed for this recipe include:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

The flour is the main ingredient in this recipe and provides the structure for the cookie. Cornstarch is added to make the cookies tender and soft. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise, while salt enhances the flavor.

Wet Ingredients

The wet ingredients needed for this recipe include:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • White chocolate chips

The butter is creamed with the sugar to create a light and fluffy texture. Lemon zest and juice add a bright citrus flavor to the cookies. Vanilla extract provides a subtle depth of flavor. White chocolate chips are added for a sweet and creamy contrast to the tart lemon flavor.

Overall, the ingredients for this recipe are easy to find and create a flavorful and delicious cookie.

To make Panera Lemon Drop Cookies, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. Here is a list of the essential tools and equipment required to make these delicious cookies:

While not mandatory, having a food scale and a cookie scoop will make it easier to measure ingredients accurately and form uniform cookies.

Make sure that all your equipment is clean and dry before you start baking. Having the right equipment will make the process easier and ensure that you get consistent results every time.

If you’re a fan of Panera’s Lemon Drop Cookies, you’re in luck! With this copycat recipe, you can make these delicious cookies at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect batch.

Preparation

Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • Flour
  • Corn starch
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • White chocolate chips (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix the flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest and mix until combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. If you want, you can add white chocolate chips at this point.

Baking

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. If you prefer your cookies softer, bake for less time.

Cooling and Serving

Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cooled, they’re ready to serve!

These Lemon Drop Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor. You can enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or even as a dessert after dinner.

If you’re a fan of renowned chef recipes, don’t miss out on our Bobby Flay’s Meatball Recipe, a delightful treat for all meat lovers!

Tips and Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make some changes to the recipe, here are some ingredient substitutions you can try:

  • Lemons: If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemons will give you the best flavor.
  • Butter: You can substitute butter with margarine or shortening. Keep in mind that this will affect the taste and texture of the cookies.
  • Flour: You can use all-purpose flour instead of pastry flour. However, the texture of the cookies will be slightly different.

Storage and Shelf Life

To ensure that your Panera Lemon Drop Cookies stay fresh and delicious, here are some tips for storage and shelf life:

  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: If you want to reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
  • Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you are ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

If you’re watching your calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy diet, it’s important to be aware of the nutritional information of the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie. According to the Panera Bread website, one cookie contains 380 calories, 18 grams of fat, 51 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.

The cookie also contains 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 250 milligrams of sodium, and 35 grams of sugar. While it’s a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you’re looking for a lower calorie option, you can try making your own version of the cookie at home using a recipe that uses less sugar or substitutes it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also try using healthier fats like coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter.

Overall, while the Panera Lemon Drop Cookie is a tasty treat, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional information and enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a batch of delicious Panera Lemon Drop Cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple and readily available. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less lemon zest or adjusting the amount of sugar. You can also add some white chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness.

These cookies are perfect for those who love lemon-flavored treats. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with lemony goodness. The combination of lemon zest and juice gives these cookies a bright and refreshing flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds.

In addition to their delicious taste, these cookies are also visually appealing. The bright yellow color of the lemon zest gives them a pop of color that makes them stand out on any dessert table.

Overall, the Panera Lemon Drop Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Panera Lemon Drop cookie does not have nuts. The main ingredients in this cookie are flour, sugar, butter, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. However, it is important to note that Panera Bread is not a nut-free environment, and cross-contamination may occur.

What are lemon cookies made of?

Lemon cookies are typically made of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Some recipes may also include baking powder, salt, or cornstarch to help the cookies rise and maintain their shape.

The number of calories in a Panera cookie varies depending on the type of cookie. According to the Panera Bread website, a Lemon Drop cookie contains 310 calories, 14g of fat, 42g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.

Lemon drop cookies with powdered sugar?

Lemon drop cookies can be dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation. To do this, simply place a few tablespoons of powdered sugar in a small bowl and dip the cooled cookies into the sugar, gently tapping off any excess.

Soft lemon drop cookies recipe?

To make soft lemon drop cookies, be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will create a tender, delicate texture in the finished cookies. It is also important to avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough, dry cookies. Adding a bit of cornstarch to the dough can also help keep the cookies soft and tender.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Tangy and Sweet Treat at Home

Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe

  • Author: CookesRecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 Mins
  • Cook Time: 5 Mins
  • Total Time: 15 Mins
  • Yield: 10 Cookies 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Whip up the delightful taste of Panera Lemon Drop Cookie at home! Follow our simple recipe for a zesty, sweet treat everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about two lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from the zested lemons)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini white chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

  3. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  4. To the creamed mixture, add the large egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Begin by adding only ½ cup of the flour mixture to prevent curdling. Mix until everything is well blended.

  5. Gradually mix in the remaining flour mixture in two additions, using a low speed setting until the flour is just incorporated into the dough.

  6. Gently stir in the mini white chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed in the cookie dough.

  7. Portion Dough: Using a ¼-cup scoop, portion out the cookie dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheets. To ensure consistent cookie sizes, aim for around 55 grams per cookie. Place the cookies well apart on the sheets, with no more than 4 cookies per tray.

  8. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden. Be cautious not to overbake them.

  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Once they are completely cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.


Notes

  • When zesting lemons for this recipe, make sure to use a fine grater or a zester to remove just the outermost, aromatic layer of the lemon peel. Avoid grating the bitter white pith underneath.
  • For the best lemon flavor, use fresh lemons to obtain both the zest and juice.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of white chocolate chips to suit your preference. You can add more or less depending on how sweet you want your cookies to be.
  • These cookies are perfect for lemon and white chocolate lovers, and the powdered sugar dusting adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely appearance.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 283kcal
  • Sugar: 28.7g
  • Sodium: 201mg
  • Fat: 10.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 46.4g
  • Fiber: 0.6g
  • Protein: 2.8g
  • Cholesterol: 43mg

Keywords: Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe, Panera Lemon Drop Cookie