These cookies are called “lovely” for a reason–because they taste as good as they look. This recipe is part of the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series, based on the book by Joanne Fluke novel (Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder). Consider it Mystery Recipes Solved, because now you have everything you need to do just what Hannah does. Well, at least you have the cookie recipe. We won’t try to help you solve any mysteries beyond that!
Also see our other recipes from this series:
Recipes used by permission.
Lemon zest is simply the fresh lemon peel that has been grated. You can use a zester for this, which will more easily get the fine peel without going into the bitter white. You can also purchase lemon zest in the spice aisle.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (no need to sift)
- 1 cup cold butter (2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (no need to sift unless it's got big lumps)
- 4 beaten eggs
- 2 cups white sugar
- 8 tablespoons lemon juice (1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon or so lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons flour (1/4 cup; no need to sift)
- additional powdered sugar for finishing touch
Preparation
- 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 2 Cut each stick of butter into eight pieces.
- 3 Mix it with the flour and the powdered sugar in a food processor until it looks like cornmeal.
- 4 Spread it out in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and pat it down with your hands.
- 5 Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
- 6 Remove from oven, but don't turn off oven.
- 7 Mix eggs with white sugar.
- 8 Add lemon juice and zest (if you are using it).
- 9 Add salt and baking powder and mix.
- 10 Add flour and mix thoroughly. Note: this will be runny--it's supposed to be.
- 11 Pour this mixture on top of the pan you just baked and put it back in the oven.
- 12 Bake at 350 degrees for another 30-35 minutes.
- 13 Remove from oven and sprinkle on additional powdered sugar.
- 14 Let cool thoroughly and cut into brownie-sized bars.
