Every time I come home I am expected to do a few things. Make dinner, fix problems on my mom’s iPhone and laptop, etc. Making my mom a lemon drop martini every night is also on the list. I’m happy to do it – playing bartender for my mom has a very fun Christina Crawford feel to it. Making lemon drop inspired cookies is even better.

I tried these weeks ago during a shoot at work and immediately photocopied the recipe for my own use. Finding a really really delicious no-bake treat is hard, in my opinion, and this one is fantastic. Just the right balance of sweet and tart, plus oddly refreshing since they’re chilled. There’s no vodka in them (sadly!) but instead crushed up lemon drop candies, my all-time favorite treat. Be sure to use the rough, cheap drug store-type lemon drops. The kind that make your tongue feel like sandpaper after having too many. Yummy!

—

No-Bake Lemon Drops 

Makes 3 dozen treats.

Ingredients 

• 2 cups finely crushed shortbread cookies (about 7 ounces)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup whole almonds, toasted and finely chopped
• ½ cup finely crushed lemon drop candies
• 2 Tbsp. light-colored corn syrup
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3 Tbsp. finely crushed lemon drop candies

Directions 

1.) In a large bowl, stir together the crushed cookies, the 1 cup powdered sugar, the almonds, and the ½ cup crushed candies. In a small bowl, stir together corn syrup, milk, and melted butter. Stir the corn syrup mixture into the cookie mixture until well combined.

2. Shape cookie mixture into 1-inch balls. In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup powdered sugar and the 1 tablespoon crushed candies. Roll balls in powdered sugar mixture. Place on a large baking sheet or tray.

3. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Roll balls again in powdered sugar mixture just before serving.