Valley Lemon Chocolate Chip Cookies
This year I was excited to be asked to be part of the Wilton Treat Team. I had the chance to visit Wilton headquarters where the Treat Team attended classes led by Wilton instructors, we sat in on the live broadcast on the 2014 Wilton Sweet Up where we viewed Wilton’s new decorating products and the unveiling of the 2014 Wilton Cake of the year. When Wilton asked if I wanted to participate in a cookie exchange with my fellow treat team I jumped at the chance.
Speaking of cake of the year during our time at Wilton we were partnered off for a friendly competition to decorate a cake. Boy was I ever happy to be teamed up with Jenn; she is a rock star, creating colorful cakes. Just check out the cute Minion cake she made for her daughter Eli. I wanted to send Jenn a sweet treat inspired by the winter citrus that thrives here in South Texas. My first thought was to bake with grapefruit, maybe a candied citrus cookie, but then it hit me valley lemons. Valley lemons are a cross between a lemon and orange. Plump, juicy both tart and sweet the South Texas soil give them a distinctive taste. I just knew I had to share these wonderful jewels with Jenn. And since we all know that citrus pairs wonderfully with chocolate, valley lemon chocolate chip cookies it was.
These cookies are light, delicate and with an ever subtle hint of sourness from the valley lemons. The tangy goodness enhances the chocolate to create an airy cookie. These cookies are awesome. I used my favorite Wilton baking sheet, along with the parchment paper coated with Wilton cooking spray to ensure an even bake. The batter is runny, so be sure to refrigerate or freeze. I returned my batter to the freezer after I placed a batch in the oven; this helped the batter to stay firm.
Hey Jenn these cookies are heading your way. Enjoy! Happy Holidays and Big Hugs from Texas!
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- Zest from 1 valley lemon plus 2 tablespoon fresh valley lemon juice
- 2 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with non stick cooking spray. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the canola oil, sugar, powdered sugar, egg and lemon zest and juice and continue to beat on medium speed until combined. Add the flour, baking soda, salt and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips. The dough will be very soft, refrigerate for one hour or place in freezer for 20 minutes.
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Drop by tablespoons one inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Press the dough evenly with your fingers to slightly flatten. Bake until the edges are golden, about 8-10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on baking sheet for at least ten minutes before removing.
recipe slightly adapted from The Pastry Queen Texas Kitchen Cookbook
I didn’t have Valley lemons but I did have some juicy home grown in the Arizona sun type lemons. I used all butter because, well, butter. They came out so delicious with a delightfully delicate texture! Everyone is going to love them! Also, they were still dough at 8 minutes, I ended up baking them for more like 12. It was airsoft cookie sheets, so it is harder to brown the bottoms. YMMV
Hi V.
What an interesting combo of flavors and of course they look delicious. I love regional foods and reading about what you use in your area. If you’re feeling extra generous… 🙂
Merry Christmas!
I’ve never had valley lemons before but these cookies sound delightful!