These Lemon Biscuit Balls are delightful bite-sized treats with a zesty lemon flavor and a soft, tender texture. Perfect for a quick dessert, snack, or to serve at a party, these lemony delights are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 125 grams of sugar (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 125 ml of sunflower oil (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 125 grams of plain yogurt (approximately 1/2 cup)
- Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
- Pinch of salt
- 450 grams of durum or soft wheat semolina (approximately 2 1/4 cups)
- 10 grams of baking powder (approximately 2 teaspoons)
- 200 grams of powdered sugar (approximately 1 1/2 cups), for coating
Directions
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 125 grams of sugar until well combined.
- Add 125 ml of sunflower oil and 125 grams of plain yogurt to the egg mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Add Lemon Zest and Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add 450 grams of semolina and 10 grams of baking powder to the mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Rest the Dough:
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb the liquids and firm up slightly.
- Form the Biscuit Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Bake:
- Place the biscuit balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the lemon biscuit balls cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these lemon biscuit balls with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for an extra sweet finish.
- Pair with a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Resting the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes to ensure the semolina absorbs the liquids, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Lemon Zest: For a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
- Even Baking: Make sure to space the biscuit balls evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lemon: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Yogurt: Provides probiotics and calcium, contributing to the softness of the biscuit balls.
- Semolina: Adds a unique texture and a good source of fiber.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Dairy-Free: No (contains yogurt)
- Gluten-Free: No (contains semolina)
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These lemon biscuit balls come together quickly and bake in just minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: The fresh lemon zest gives these biscuits a refreshing and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with their sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These bite-sized treats are great for parties, snacks, or a sweet treat after dinner.
- Delightful Texture: Soft and tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
Conclusion
These Lemon Biscuit Balls are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a light and fluffy texture that makes them irresistible. Easy to make and full of fresh lemon flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these biscuit balls are a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use all-purpose flour instead of semolina?
- Yes, you can substitute semolina with all-purpose flour, but the texture will be softer and less grainy.
- Can I make these biscuit balls gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of semolina to make these biscuits gluten-free.
- How do I know when the biscuits are done?
- The biscuits are done when the tops are lightly golden and they have puffed up slightly. They should feel firm to the touch.
- Can I add other flavors to the dough?
- Absolutely! You can add vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of ground ginger for a different flavor profile.
- What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
- You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
- Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon zest?
- Lemon zest is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use a small amount of lemon juice (about 1-2 teaspoons) in addition to the zest for extra lemon flavor.
- How can I make the biscuits more colorful?
- You can add a few drops of natural food coloring to the dough for a fun, colorful twist.
- Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked biscuits?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls slightly and bake as directed.
- Can I make these biscuit balls ahead of time?
- Yes, these biscuits can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’re perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- What can I serve with these lemon biscuit balls?
- These biscuits pair well with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They’re also delicious served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.