Mini Lemon Drops candy with a tangy lemon flavor

Mini Lemon Drops

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Mini Lemon Drops: A Cozy Treat for Lemon Lovers

As the sun peeks through the clouds and the air turns crisp, the promise of cozy baked goods fills my heart with joy. One of my fondest childhood memories is spending Saturday afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen, where the inviting scent of freshly baked lemon treats danced through the air. These Mini Lemon Drops remind me of those sweet times — tender, golden cakes bursting with bright lemon flavor and drizzled with a creamy glaze. Perfect for a weekend gathering or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is an easy way to elevate your snacking game. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or simply indulging in a delightful treat, these Mini Lemon Drops are a breath of fresh air. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weekends.
  • Bursting with zesty lemon flavor — the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
  • Adorable mini-sized cakes, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo.
  • Family-friendly — kids love to help drizzle the glaze!
  • A delightful refreshing treat that’s perfect for any season, from spring to summer.

What You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is key to making these delightful Mini Lemon Drops. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

How to Make Mini Lemon Drops

Let’s get started on these delightful treats that will fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness!

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a mini muffin tin.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and oh-so-inviting.

  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for a zingy twist.

  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt — this is when the anticipation really starts to build!

  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly okay; we want to keep it tender and light.

  6. Pour the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow for a bit of rise.

  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean — the aroma will be heavenly!

  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

  9. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and dreamy.

  10. Drizzle the delightful lemon glaze over the cooled mini lemon cakes, and watch as they transform into little bites of heaven. Enjoy!

Delicious Variations to Try

While the original recipe for Mini Lemon Drops is simply delightful, why not make it your own? Here are some fun ways to customize your treats:

  • Blueberry Lemon Drops: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for an extra burst of sweetness and color.

  • Lemon Poppy Seed: Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds into your batter for a lovely texture and added flavor.

  • Coconut Lemon Drops: Fold in some flaked coconut to introduce a rich tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon.

  • Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze: For a more indulgent treat, swap the glaze for a cream cheese frosting — mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice for a creamy topping.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make-Ahead: These Mini Lemon Drops can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and glaze them just before serving for the freshest taste.

  • Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice; just ensure you adjust the flavor to your preference.

  • Storing Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them chilled, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!

  • Serving Suggestion: Serve these delightful cakes with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Serving Size: 1 Mini Lemon Drop
  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sodium: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead?
    Absolutely! You can prepare these Mini Lemon Drops a day ahead of time and glaze just before serving.

  • Can I use different ingredients?
    Yes! Feel free to swap fresh lemon juice with bottled juice, and customize with mix-ins like berries or coconut.

  • How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They taste delightful chilled or warmed up!

  • How long does it last?
    These treats can last up to 3-4 days at room temperature when stored properly.

Wrapping It Up

These Mini Lemon Drops are more than just a dessert; they are a small bite of joy that connects us to memories and sweet moments shared with loved ones. They are the perfect treat to brighten up your day or to bring a smile to someone special. Save this Mini Lemon Drops recipe to your baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and sweetness!

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Mini Lemon Drops

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini cakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Tender, golden mini cakes bursting with bright lemon flavor and drizzled with a creamy glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon juice and zest.
  4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into mini muffin tin, filling cups 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool on a wire rack.
  9. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cakes.
  10. Enjoy your Mini Lemon Drops!

Notes

These Mini Lemon Drops can be made a day in advance. Store in an airtight container and glaze before serving.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Mini Lemon Drops, lemon cakes, cozy treats, dessert, baking

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