Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies Recipe: A Timeless Delight

Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies, also known as “ciastka herbaciane,” are a cherished part of Polish culinary tradition. With their buttery texture and a tangy burst of lemon flavor, these cookies are perfect for any tea-time gathering. Whether you are looking to serve them with a warm cup of tea or coffee or enjoy them as a sweet snack on their own, these delicate cookies offer a flavorful treat that can easily become a family favorite.

Polish tea culture, much like the British tea tradition, places an emphasis on light, sweet treats that perfectly complement the richness of tea or coffee. These cookies, with their refreshing lemon filling, bring a bright and zesty flavor that balances the soothing warmth of your drink. Passed down through generations, this recipe has maintained its popularity due to its simplicity and deliciousness.

Let’s dive into how you can make these delightful Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup superfine sugar

1 egg yolk, gently beaten (at room temperature)
1 cup softened unsalted butter
2 teaspoons lemon zest

2 teaspoons lemon juice

For the filling:

4 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for garnish

1/3 cup softened unsalted butter
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional: 1 tablespoon milk (for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

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.

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.
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.
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.
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

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.

Tips for Perfect Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies

Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. The freshness of the lemon will enhance the flavor and fragrance of the cookies.
Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Adjust the filling consistency carefully: Add milk to the filling sparingly, as you don’t want it to become too runny. The goal is to have a thick, spreadable filling that stays in place when sandwiched between the cookies.
Experiment with shapes: While simple round cookies are traditional, you can have fun with different cookie cutters to make unique shapes that fit your occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, until you’re ready to bake.

2. How should I store these cookies?

Once assembled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. You can freeze the unassembled cookies and the filling separately for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow the cookies to thaw and then assemble them with fresh filling.

4. What can I use as a substitute for lemon?

If you’re looking for a variation, you can substitute the lemon juice and zest with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different flavor profile.

Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies are a delightful addition to any tea-time spread, offering a perfect blend of buttery richness and tangy lemon flavor. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving them to guests or enjoying them as a personal treat, they’re sure to bring a taste of Polish tradition and a bit of sunshine to your day.