I’m not a huge lemon fan (generally I want my desserts to have chocolate), but the flavor on these are so on point. And I don’t take credit for that – these are a paleofied version of my best friend Grandma’s cookies. Grandma Lucille Molen was an amazing petite, silver-haired gracious fireball. Strong and independent as well as a master in the kitchen, she often won fans through her baking. She was sweet with a little bit of spice, just like these!
I know some of you might not be familiar with palm shortening or maple sugar, or they might be harder to find in your local stores. BUT, if you are tired (like I was) of eating paleo cookies that were just ok but not really amazing – you need to use them! Maple sugar is much lighter in flavor than coconut sugar (like of like how white sugar is lighter in flavor than brown sugar) and makes such a difference. Also, palm shortening cooks more like regular butter or shortening than ghee does. I also recommend your almond flour is “fine” or “super-fine.” I find fine or super fine almond flour at Costco or Sam’s Club, but this is the same Blue Diamond kind I get from Sam’s Club on Amazon. Anthony’s and Bob’s Red Mill also make fine almond flour.
The frosting really seals the deal and makes these a home run. You’re going to love these!
Paleo Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup palm shortening
- 1 cup maple sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 1/2 cup almond flour* see notes for nut-free
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Frosting
- 1/2 cup palm shortening
- 1/4 cup ghee
- zest of one lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup maple sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
- Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and lemon extract.
- Add all the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing about 2" apart to allow for spreading as they bake. Bake for 12 minutes in the 350 degree oven. Cookies are done with they have spread flat and tops bounce back when touched.
- While baking, combine all the frosting ingredients in a small bowl, whisking or beating with a mixer to combine.
- Let cookies cool, and then frost. Enjoy! We love these stored in the fridge or freezer for a thicker frosting texture.
- Cookies can be frozen in a single layer and then stored in the freezer in a sealed container for 3+ months.
Notes
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Can I use coconut sugar or ghee instead? Yes, I these will turn out with coconut sugar, but, again, I don't love the flavor nearly as much and maple sugar is worth investing in for better Paleo cookies. I have not tried ghee instead of palm shortening in these, as I really love the results of the shortening - let me know if you do!
Hands-down these are the best paleo cookies I’ve ever made and eaten. They had a great flavor. The texture is perfect, too, which is where most paleo or grain-free cookie recipes fail. I like my cookies crisp, and these were just like I like them. I followed the directions exactly. I liked them frosted, my husband liked them plain. Homerun, Autumn!
Aw, I’m so glad these were a home run for your family! I agree, these cookies are special and are loved every time. Thank you!
We are making these today for a yummy Memorial Day treat! I love the fruit pizza idea!
Love lemon and this will fill the need. Thank you for such great recipes. Plus your family hikes are inspiring!
These are perfect spring cookies. Or summer cookies. Ok so anytime cookies. Nice and bright, perfect amount of lemony flavor, and don’t taste artificial honestly. I wanted peppermint cookies this winter and subbed for peppermint extract (extra in the frosting in place of the zest too!) and they were really good too! The recipe itself, even as a base, is perfect, and if you can’t find maple sugar then coconut sugar works great too!
Thank you, I’m so happy you loved these! That’s wonderful to know you enjoyed them with peppermint and that coconut sugar has worked as well. Thank you!