Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies: 5 Steps to Blissful Baking

If you’re anything like me, there’s just something magical about biting into a soft, zesty Lemon Drop Cookie from Panera. Their delightful burst of lemony sweetness paired with rich white chocolate is pure bliss! That’s why I’ve been on a mission to recreate these heavenly treats at home. Trust me, my Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies are just as delicious, and you’ll love the satisfaction of making them yourself. The best part? You can whip up a batch in your own kitchen and enjoy that fresh-baked aroma wafting through your home. It’s like bringing a little piece of your favorite café right to your dining table. Plus, sharing these cookies with friends and family will surely earn you some major baking accolades! So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delightful journey together!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your own batch of Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room-temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated white sugar
• 4 lemons, zest only
• 2 large eggs, room-temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture, and don’t skimp on the lemon zest; it’s where the magic happens!

How to Prepare Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring the magic to life! Get ready for a fun baking adventure that brings the delightful taste of Panera’s Lemon Drop Cookies right into your kitchen. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be indulging in these zesty treats in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, let’s get that butter and sugar to a fluffy perfection. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated white sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Aim for about 2 minutes at high speed. You want it light and fluffy, so don’t rush this part!

Once that’s ready, it’s time to add the flavor! Incorporate the zest of 4 lemons, 2 large room-temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it on medium speed until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure no delicious bits are left behind!

Next, let’s add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few flour streaks are perfectly fine!

Now, for the exciting part—fold in 1 ½ cups of white chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. This step is crucial; it’s where you’ll get those sweet bursts in every bite!

Once your dough is ready, wrap it in wax paper and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking. You can even make the dough a day in advance if you want to plan ahead!

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Don’t forget to flatten them slightly with your palm to help them spread evenly.

Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, once cooled, dust them with ¼ cup of powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to bake in no time!
• Delightful Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet white chocolate creates a bright and satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
• Homemade Quality: Nothing beats the satisfaction of baking these cookies from scratch, filling your home with that irresistible aroma.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for future baking adventures!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating a light and fluffy cookie.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for at least 3 hours helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. For a chewier texture, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
• Storage: Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you have leftover dough, it can be frozen for up to 3 months!

Nutritional Information Section

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the information provided here is approximate. For each cookie, you’re looking at about 166 calories, with 14g of sugar and 8g of fat. Enjoy these delicious treats while being mindful of portion sizes!

FAQ About Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies

Got questions about making your own Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my best tips to make your baking experience a breeze.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While white chocolate chips are a classic choice that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon, you can definitely switch it up. Dark or milk chocolate chips can also work wonderfully, adding a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness may vary, so adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie!

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days! If you want to extend their life, you can put them in the fridge, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

You bet! Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic option. Just wrap the dough tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking as usual. It’s like having fresh cookies on demand!

Serving Suggestions

These Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookies are perfect on their own, but why not elevate your treat experience a bit? Pair them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a delightful afternoon snack—trust me, the citrusy flavors complement each other beautifully! If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a fantastic dessert spread. They also shine at brunch gatherings, so consider adding them to a spread with scones and fresh fruit. They’ll be the star of the show, guaranteed!

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