Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies

Start by preparing the dough for your cookies. This step is crucial to ensuring a smooth and buttery texture that will melt in your mouth.

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cookies their signature light texture.
2. Add the egg yolk and lemon flavoring: Gradually add the beaten egg yolk, followed by the lemon zest and lemon juice. The lemon zest will add a bright citrus fragrance, while the juice will provide a tangy flavor that perfectly contrasts the buttery richness of the dough.
3. Incorporate the flour: Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough rather than delicate.
4. Chill the dough: Once the dough is mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes later.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into your desired shapes. Traditional Polish tea cookies are often simple circles, but feel free to get creative with your cookie cutters.
3. Bake the cookies: Place the cut-out dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Cool the cookies: After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling

The lemon filling is what makes these cookies truly shine. It adds a burst of tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the buttery base.

1. Cream the butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. This will ensure that the filling has a luscious texture.
2. Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice: Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth. The lemon juice will add a zesty brightness, while the powdered sugar will provide the necessary sweetness.
3. Adjust the consistency (optional): If your filling is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out to the desired consistency. Add it slowly, mixing after each addition until the filling is smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Spread the filling: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the lemon filling on the bottom side of one cookie. Be sure to cover the surface evenly for a balanced flavor.
2. Top with another cookie: Place a second cookie on top of the filling to create a sandwich. Press down lightly to ensure the cookies stick together without squeezing out the filling.
3. Dust with powdered sugar: For a classic and elegant finish, dust the tops of the assembled cookies with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look even more inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual tea parties to formal gatherings.