Nut Free Lemon Cardamom Wedding Cookies


Growing up, I thought that some foods just tasted itchy!

Like carrots, and walnuts, and salmon.

I have food allergies, and luckily I had a good Allergist because back then there weren't allergy warnings on labels or restaurant menus. Or even much written on the subject, for that matter.

And while many kids "grew out of it,I never did, which is a shame because some of my very favorite foods are the ones that make me feel the worst.  Like chocolate (yup, I said chocolate), or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Chunky peanut butter, what I would give to eat you.

But there's hope for us allergy sufferers, especially these days, as there are many more substitutions and creative ways to work around the culprits.


 When I was trying to think of a good cookie to make, I immediately remembered a cookie that I'd seen made on the TV show, The Chew. Not only did it have one of my favorite flavors- lemon. It also had one of my all-time favorite spices- cardamom. So, I headed over to their website to check out their recipe, but kept on clicking when I saw it had ground nuts.

But, I was determined to try a nut-free option, and I'm glad I did. The cookies came out beautifully... without the itch.


When it comes to nut-free cooking, many recipes use nuts like you would with chocolate chips in cookies... simply to add flavor and an interesting element to the dish. In this case, you can just leave them out. But often, nuts are used to create texture, like in these cookies, or crusts of cheesecakes. In these cases, you'll need to consider the best substitution for that particular texture.

For instance, in this recipe, the original called for ground nuts. I decided on graham cracker crumbs because I thought they'd add a similar texture. But, I cut back on the amount, since I knew they'd soak up some of the liquid, and I didn't want to dry out the cookies.

Some other nut-free substitution ideas:
- Graham crackers, crumbled and lightly toasted
- Nut-free granola
- Grape nuts


Nut Free Lemon Cardamom Wedding Cookies

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
2-1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the Lemon Sugar:
1-1/2 teaspoons dried lemon zest
1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and zest and orange zest. Add in salt, graham cracker crumbs, flour and cardamom and stir to combine. Roll into small balls using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until browned on the bottom and firm to the tough on top.

Let cool for a few minutes, or until you can handle them. While still warm, roll in the lemon sugar. Makes about 30 cookies.

*This recipe was adapted from Carla Hall's Lemon Cardamom Wedding Cookies.


Comments

  1. This is a genius twist on the traditional wedding cookies Di!

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    1. Thanks Paula! I actually enjoyed the graham flavor w/it all too... yum!

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  2. Cardamom and lemon - how delightful! So much better than the usual wedding cookies. Now I'd look forward to more than the powdered sugar coating. Flavor bonus for sure!

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    1. I'm with you Renee! Wedding Cookies haven't been a favorite, but who can resist the lemon and cardamom. They really do have a nice pucker- hope you give them a try!

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  3. So yummy! I watch the Chew everyday too! Tons of inspiration and ideas. I love them!

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  4. Great substitution suggestions, Diana.

    My heart goes out to you that PB and chocolate are forbidden. But your allergen-free cooking and baking is such a blessing to those in similar situations. And with this lovely lemon cardamom cookie, it appears there is not one feeling of deprivation.

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    1. Thanks Kim! It is a pitty on the PB and chocolate, but luckily there are many other flavors I love- like lemon and cardamom! ;-)

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  5. I love lemon and cardamom together! Your cookies look beautiful!

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  6. Oh these look gorgeous!I love Cardamom and the flavors in these cookies sound fab :) So Yumm!!

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    1. Thanks Soni! I hope you give them a try, they were really fun to make, too!

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  7. Lemon and cardamom... such a nice change from the typical wedding cookies! These cookies look lovely and I'm sure they're delicious!

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  8. These look so good !! I love lemon too. May try a GF version of this cookie !

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    1. That is a great idea, Suni! They are a fun treat!

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  9. Wow the flavour combo in these cookies with the lemon and cardamom sounds wonderful

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  10. The idea of "itchy" foods cracks me up! But what a bummer to have to avoid so many foods, especially as a kid. I'm glad there are so many great treats featured today that are free of allergens!

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    1. ;-) Yes, carrots especially make me itch ;-) Thanks for stopping by!!!

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  11. My heart sank for you when I read that you're allergic to chocolate and peanut butter (the two substances that make my world go round and my belly go rounder)! Thankfully you're making delicious substitutes, like these cookies. I have a giant bottle of cardamom at home that's just begging to be used in this recipe. I'm intrigued by the use of graham cracker crumbs - I've only ever used them for cheesecake crusts. These sound delish, Di!

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    1. :-) I think just being a food blogger makes us go rounder lol! And awesome on the cardamom. My very favorite it Cardamom Bread- thanks to my Swedish Grandmother... I'll hopefully post that in the future, or you can find great authentic versions online too! Thanks for stopping by!! ;-)

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  12. A beautiful picture, Di! A nice change from the usual cookie!

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