This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for participating!
*Cue cheesy game show intro music*
Welcome, welcome ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready for another rousing rendition of “Where in the World is Bakingdom?”
Last time, “Where in the World” was a little inaccurate, because it was actually “Where in the U.S.“, but this time, you actually do have the entire world to choose from!
I know…that actually makes it harder, doesn’t it?
Well, don’t fret, because those cookies up there? Those are your very first clue. They’re a very subtle clue, at that. Very subtle.
Hmmmm…should I give you more clues today? Or leave it mysterious? I mean, you’re getting two more clues over the next two days… And you get to enter each day…
Alright. Here’s how this is gonna work:
Today is the first clue. There will be two other clues/giveaways throughout this week. There is something about this recipe that hints as to where the U.S. Coast Guard is moving us to next. It’s one of the ingredients, actually, and if you know which one, then you probably have a pretty good shot at guessing where we’re headed.
If you think you know, then leave a comment below. Here’s the thing, though… You don’t have to get it right. 
Just make a guess, leave a comment, and you’re entered to win. Check out all of the details below.
But first, and I’m serious here, go make these cookies, because ohmigosh they are stupid good.
They’re not fancy, or elaborate…they’re quite humble, but they are delicious.
The cookies themselves are fantastic, but then you add the lemony glaze, and magic happens.
These would be the perfect little cookie to pack up and take along on a little picnic or a day of…oh, I don’t know…sightseeing? Or flower ogling…
(In case you didn’t catch that, that was another subtle hint there…)
You can whip these up in only 5 minutes, and they’re baked and iced in under an hour. They’re perfect for a last minute get together or tea party! Plus, they keep beautifully for up to a week, in an airtight container, so you can even keep them on hand for surprise guests.
Enjoy!
Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread {Printable Version}
Makes about 16 to 18 cookies
**As always, if you choose to make this recipe vegan or gluten-free, double check all of your ingredients to make sure they meet the criteria.
Ingredients
FOR THE COOKIES
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or margarine for vegan/dairy free)
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 cup flour (GF for gluten free)
pinch of salt
poppy seeds
FOR THE FROSTING
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons milk (soy or almond for vegan/dairy free)
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
To make the cookies: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon zest. Add the flour and salt, and continue beating until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
Scoop level one tablespoon portions of dough, and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 1/2-inches apart. Using your thumb, a spoon, a fork, or decorative press, press down gently on each cookie until it is about 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle each cookie with 1/4 teaspoon or so of poppy seeds. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before frosting or serving.
To make the frosting: Whisk all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Frost cookies once they are cooled and allow to sit for 20 to 30 minutes to set up.
Recipe by Darla
And the winner is…
…comment #214!
Congratulations, Robin! I hope you make the cookies, they were delicious! I will be contacting you shortly to get your mailing address.
Now, who wants to win a collection of creative and beautiful cookbooks?
That’s right, I have compiled a collection of some of my favorite cookbooks to share with you, including:
SprinkleBakes: Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist by Heather Baird (Sprinkle Bakes)Decorating Cookies: 60+ Designs for Holidays, Celebrations & Everyday by Bridget Edwards (Bake at 350)Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats that Shine by Shaina Olmanson (Food for My Family)Push-up Pops by Courtney Dial Whitmore (Pizzazzerie)Sugarlicious by Meaghan Mountford (The Decorated Cookie)
It’s easy. Just take a guess at where in the world today’s recipe refers to in the comment section below. You can guess a continent, country, state, city…
That’s it! You don’t even have to get it right! Just answer, and you’re entered. But try to see if you can get it right…that’s where all the fun is! Then, if you don’t win, at least you get bragging rights. 
I’m sorry, this giveaway is only open to US readers. (International readers: please stay tuned for an international giveaway later this week!)
**Comments are moderated, so if you’ve never commented here before, your comment will not immediately appear.**
Contest is open until 11:59 pm, EST, Sunday, July 14, 2013. The winner will receive one collection of cookbooks, compiled by me (see list above). The winner will be chosen randomly at www.random.org and announced here Tuesday, July 16 2013.
I will contact the winner, so don’t forget to add your email in the email section!
Good luck with the giveaway!
♥,
Darla
If you haven’t already, click the ‘like’ button on my facebook page here, and follow me on twitter here.
This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for participating!
{ 234 comments… read them below or add one }
England!?
Turkey!!
I’ll take a stab at it and say Scotland.. hmmm!
The Netherlands
Scotland?
Germany?
I’m going to guess England as well.
My guess is Turkey. Although, I’m kind of clueless. :o)
My guess is England.
The Netherlands
I’m going to have to go with the Netherlands!!
I would say England also. Wow another move!
Scotland is my guess. I’m new to your site and am completely enjoying it! Especially the parts about your husband because I think he is similar to mine-coffee, beer, etc.
Hmmm…….the first thing that popped into my head was Holland. But they are famous for tulips, not poppies. So…maybe it’s Belgium or France? Arrrggg. I’m not very good at this! France. I’m going with France. Mostly because I can totally picture you strolling along the Seine with your adorable little white dog…
Mainland Europe I think.
I would guess the Netherlands?
The Netherlands?
New York. And there should be an easy way to print out your delicious goodies.
There is a ‘printable version’ link next to the title of the recipe!
Hmm, my guess is England also, although I’m not very good at guessing.
I’m going to guess somewhere in the Mediterranean, based on the poppy seeds?
The first place that popped in my mind when I read you were relocating was- Germany!:-) I love your blog, your recipes, and your love for the 10th doctor:-) He’s my favorite too:-)
France
I’m guessing the United Kingdom, for the shortbread.
I’m going to be crazy and say Italy. I didn’t realize the U.S. Coast Guard had an international presence. Lemons make me think of Italy, and my uncle in the Navy was stationed there. I really have no idea, though. Since it’s shortbread, I also kind of hope it’s Scotland, in which case, I’ll totally be stalking you the next time we’re in the UK. You’ve been warned.
Don’t worry, I’ll only attack you with cookies.
I think the Netherlands
Denmark?
Hmm…I’m going to guess…California somewhere? TOTAL guess, btw. It’s funny that you’ve posted a Lemon Poppy recipe, as I was just telling a friend earlier that I was craving lemon poppyseed! It’s meant to be, me and these cookies.
Hungary!
I’m gonna guess Czech Republic!
Belgium?
“flower oogling” I want to say Holland.
Either The Netherlands or Turkey…OK, I vote for Turkey!
I’m going to guess…. Turkey. And I can’t wait to try these cookies!
California. Those cookies sound really good!
I think England.
The Netherlands?
I hope wherever you go, it’s somewhere you love!
How about in an English Garden?
These look so good and I love poppy seeds. I’m thinking I am supposed to guess internationally but I am going to say Florida for the heck of it!
The Middle East…I say, Afghanistan? Can’t wait to find out, the suspense is killing me! Oh well, at least I have everything in the pantry to make these cookies!
I guess Florida! My home state, and sooo much closer to the wizarding world! We grow lemons and Florida means land of flowers.
A country that is somewhat infamous recently for poppies is Afghanistan and the U.S. Coast Guard does have a presence there, but they don’t move there and take their families. Another country that is rather infamously connected to poppies is China, but once again the U.S. Coast Guard does regular visits there (I think I read it was once a month for Marine Safety inspections) but I didn’t find anything indicating they have a permanent presence . So the only other country I think of is England, thanks to my love of UK television shows like MI-5 and their series 7 opener that includes a story line with the Remembrance Day. So I will go with England.
The Netherlands! It would be fun to be stationed in Europe for a bit
I’m going to guess and say England since you are making shortbread – plus it’s perfect place to have that afternoon tea!
Heheh your recipe says, Poopy seeds! “Sprinkle each cookie with 1/4 teaspoon or so of poopy seeds. Bake for 30-35 minutes.”
I’m gonna guess Turkey, which has the highest production of poppy seeds!
Ha!! Thank you!! Good for a laugh at least, eh?
Ehhhh…. Don’t know why but something tells me Turkey. I get a Middle East feeling.
Hi Darla!
Very nice idea to have readers guessing the destination. I usually never comment on web but this game got my interest. My intuition said France but as I try to consider all possibilities, I googled a bit. My searches took me to options from Scotland to Philippines. But I will stick with France.
Best of luck wherever you go!
I’m going to guess Belgium for the poppy seeds and flower ‘oogling’ hint ;D
No idea…but how about Vienna, Austria…
I am going to say Lebanon.
Amsterdam!
I will guess South Limburg, Netherlands. And I’m bookmarking these to make pretty soon!
The Netherlands.
I’m going to go with Holland/the Netherlands, due to their tulips.
I’m going to guess Afghanistan, because that’s the first place I thought of with poppies.
I vote…the Netherlands!?
Hmmmmmm. Tricky, tricky.
I am going to guess London England
Poppy’s are a symbolic flower.
My first thought was Fort Meyers (as in Meyer Lemons). Then my next thought was China because of the Meyer Lemons and Poppy Seeds. Fort Meyers didn’t lead me to flower ogling, though. Hmm. Bring on the clues
England!!
I like that I can guess a continent. I’m thinking Europe! I want to say England because of the significance of Poppy’s for remembrance day but I’ll be more general this time around
Awesome giveaway!! best of luck on the move. my guess is belgium (flanders…poppies…??)
San Diego?
Those cookies look delicious & lovely!
Definitely have to say The Netherlands.
Those shortbreads look so good! Are you somewhere in Western Europe? Or maybe more specifically Northern France? Poppies make me think of Flanders Field (well, that and Wizard of Oz). But maybe the poppy seeds aren’t the hint-y ingredient.
I love your site! The Netherlands?
Turkey!
It could be anywhere in the world, but maybe that’s to throw us off track. Lemon… Poppy Seeds… Shortbread… Florida… Belgium… UK…
I’m going to guess Grand Haven, MI. Yes, I know that doesn’t make sense. But I know a few things about that Coastie town, so that’s my guess.
I’m guessing England!
Flanders! You’re going to Flanders!
I’m going to say France! One of the top producers of poppy seeds and oh my, the sightseeing!
Hm. I would either guess Holland (for the flower oogling) or England for the poppies. Either way, have a blast!
Netherlands. (And if that’s the case, it’s so beautiful! But you’ll do well wherever you go.
China- where Meyer lemons are grown!
I’m going to guess Scotland.
I’m guessing California!
Im going to guess Italy, but my first thought was NYC for poppy seed bagels lol.
Italy!
Hungary?
United Kingdom is my guess?!
Belgium?
I’m going with Belgium!
Long Beach?
Belgium!
Hawaii
Turkey produces the most poppy seeds but maybe it’s the country that produces the most lemons… or Netherlands… I’m going to go with Netherlands!
Oz…
Holland/Netherlands!
My guess would be Michigan, today!!! The recipe sounds yummy for sure!!!Looking forward to more clues!!!
Sorrento Italy They’re known for their lemons and we Italians use a lot of poppy seeds in our baking.
I am going to guess Italy!
Flanders, Belgium:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Eeek… I’m probably overanalyzing… But I’m going to go with poppyseeds as the clue, cuz they come from flowers, the other clue, and poppies used to be traditionally thought of as an Oriental flower… So the Orient! And I pick… Japan!!
this is REALLY fun!
~Aprol
Turkey
I’m sure packing up and moving to a new place gets tiresome but the adventure of it will make for stories you can tell for years.
I’m going to guess the South of France or somewhere in that area.
Naples!
I’m going to say Spain.
Ooh, I’m gonna guess CA? San Fran? Ya know, California poppies and all.
The cookies look de-LISH!
I am going to guess New Zealand…….
China?
Belgium
I’m guessing Holland.
My husband was active duty USCG a long time ago (1980′s) and they didn’t send us overseas, we ended up in Alaska whisch as a close as we could get at the time. If I kew what your husband’s rate was it would be easier to guess… So I guess you will be in Europe somewhere!
Scotland?
I’m guessing England. Maybe your going to Upper Hayford
Is it Holland? Not sure what ingredient but the flower reference got me thinking about all of their tulips.
Or I mean Lakenheath since upper Hayford is closed lol
Im gonna say Finland.. Because idk its in Northern Europe I suppose :3
I know poppies (and opium ;)) are big in the Middle East…so I’m going to say Afghanistan.
I am going to have to guess Turkey.
Florida
Belgium, perhaps?
….I think it’s scotland xD
these cookies look beautiful, theyre exactly the kind of treat i would make to eat with tea.
Scotland?
Need to make these!!!
They look awesome!
Wow, there’s so many places to choose from. This time, I am going to guess Italy.
I’m going to guess England =)
turkey!
California?!? I cannot wait to try these cookies!
Turkey!
I say Belgium or the Netherlands.
Turkey! Excited for tomorrow’s clue!
Hmm I going to say England. Because well poppy seeds sounds like an English type ingredient….
I’m going with Western United States. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s clue!
Belgium?
Belgium?
Hungary? Maybe? Have no clue actually but they are making ME hungry!
Turkey!
Guam
Flanders (i.e., Belgium) ?
Hmm, I’m going to say Fort Myer, Virginia.
I’ll go with Great Britain.
I’d go with Belgium
I’m guessing the Netherlands, likely Rotterdam! There are Dutch poppies, plus flower ogling in general makes me think of Dutch tulips. If the next recipe calls for (Dutch) cocoa…I’ll feel sure!
So exciting!
I’m guessing Greece! These cookies look delicious!!
Netherlands
The Netherlands, totally!
I’m voting Scotland!
I’m going to guess France.
I’m going to have to guess the Netherlands! Good luck with the move <3
I’m going to guess The Netherlands!
I’m also thinking the Netherlands. How exciting!
The Netherlands
The UK?
My guess is England! Thanks for the chance and congrats on your move!
California!!
I feel like it has to be Holland.
United Kingdom of Shortbread?!
These cookies look great and they will definitely become part of my next picnic!
I’m going to guess Turkey, the leader of poppy seeds. All hail the poppy seed overlords!
Delicious sounding recipe! Going to have to try this one for sure.
Turkey? I’ve had a couple friends stationed there (Air Force) and they have loved it! Good luck where ever you go
I’m going to make a nice broad guess and say…Europe!
Don’t know why, but I’m leaning towards France!
Belgium? Flanders? In Flanders fields where poppies grow…
that’s where I’m from!!!
hmmm… i’m guessing either italy or florida, which is admittedly quite a jump.
It’s been fun reading everyone’s guess, I choose England. Good luck wherever you end up at.
Holland
Hmmmm…The Phillipines?
I’m going to guess Spain!
Scotland?
Um….poppy seeds are banned in my country, what\s a good alternative? :s
Naples
Here’s the thing, I’m literally sitting in JFK tight now on a layover for our third flight en route home from Japan. We’ve been visiting AFB Misawa for the past three weeks so I have Japan on the brain. One of the biggest festivals there is Hanami or Cherry Blossom viewing….so I say Japan. Hopefully Okinawa
My vote is for England- because I want to move to England. Husband’s vote is for Italy. Either way you are a lucky duck!
These cookies look amazing – and I could face plant into that glaze!!!
Hmmm…..my guess is Holland. Can’t wait to try these cookies!
Holland?!
England?
I’m voting for the Netherlands!!
Scotland! I love shortbread at tea time. Yummmm
Belgium?
Is it Holland/Netherlands?
I’ll guess the Netherlands too.
I’m going with England!!!
Belgium
London…or somewhere else in the UK?
I guess Germany!
First of all, I am so beyond jealous that I might be turning green…Second, I am so happy that you get to travel the way you do!! I hope it is a positive and healthy move for all. On that note my guess would be somewhere in the United Kingdom!
Good luck as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure! I’m guessing Germany.
Scotland? I love shortbread, can’t wait to make these ^ ^
So I did a little bit of googling and I have a list: Japan, Belgium, or Germany. Googling got me Japan (apparently there are certain areas known for their flowers, plus lots of sightseeing, and specifically area which have poppy fields. Then there’s the fact that they were seriously involved in WWII, so there’s a connection there). The other two I chose from personal experience, Germany was involved in WWII and there’s ton to see there, but I see it as less likely than Belgium because Belgium has more of a coast to start with, and there are some pretty famous gardens.
I’m guessing the Netherlands…and if I’m right, you will absolutely die over the gorgeousness of Keukenhof Gardens!!! We went at tulip peak 4 years ago, and it was truly awesome.
Since I have to just guess..I’m totally going to just say Bulgaria. Haha. xP
I’m thinking the Netherlands, possibly Amsterdam?
I will guess Germany, yeah, big guess. Bon Voyage, wherever you’re going!
Mexico!
*shrugs*
These looks amazing!
England?
i want to guess California
I’m not very good at this, but I’m guessing Italy?
Going out on a limb here….Holland? Cookies look amazing!
Australia?
Spain?
Italy?
The Netherlands? Holland, specifically?
These cookies look fantastic! My guess is the Netherlands.
The Netherlands? (Flowers!)
Hmm… My guess would be somewhere in Europe… Denmark perhaps? Or maybe Sweden?
Anyways, I can’t wait to try these! My aunt absolutely adores lemon so I’ll definitely have to make these for her!
I say somewhere in the Netherlands. The best poppy seeds come from Holland.
Maybe England?
OK, so poppy seeds are popular in German baked goods, and there are lots of gardens there, so I will guess Germany. But mainly I hope it’s Germany because my best friend spent her first 4 years of life in Berlin. Her mom used to take the kids to Ikea, drop them off at the free daycare service, and enjoy 2 hours of peace and quiet wandering around the store. Ikea=win.
Well, you said somewhere in the US for the Coast Guard, so I’m guessing California.
I was thinking scotland but now I’m rethinking it and going where we saw beautiful sights and gardens and going with France.
My guess is Scotland, for the shortbread.
The United Kingdom…or on a broader scale one of the countries in the commonwealth?
Portland Oregon……
India or Turkey?
For some reason, England keeps popping in my mind… Maybe it’s all the Doctor Who/Harry Potter obsessions… Yup, I’m going with England.
I’m going to go with England??
I’m guessing California (because of the poppy seeds).
The Netherlands? I hope so then we can visit and become best friends! I’m super subtle…:P
Hmmmm, poppies make me think of Flanders Field….soooo Belgium?
Oh dear….I’m guessing the United Kingdom, if only because my friends and I (only just last weekend!) gathered for a tea party and a 10th Doctor marathon for which I also made lemony iced shortbread (with lavender). Happy cookie-eating! Thanks for the giveaway!
Belgium, right!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands!
turkey?
Poppy seeds makes me think France!
I’m guessing somewhere in France – somewhere with those gorgeous poppy fields. Now I’m off to see if we have poppy seeds, because these look divine. Divine!
My guess is either Belgium or Holland.
The cookies look amazing! I think you are going to France.
I guess France because of the presence of butter in the cookie.
arizona? i know it produces a lot of lemons ehehe
I guess England, too.
My guess would be Turkey.
Netherlands
The Netherlands.. specifically Schinnen???
I’m going to guess the Netherlands!
Netherlands?
Japan…because of Hanami (cherry blossom viewing festival) and the tradition of picnics and sweet confections that goes along with it.
Netherlands?!
Holland
England?
I’m guessing Tukey because of the poppy seeds, the fact that Turkey is the highest producer of poppy seeds, and I know Turkey has military bases because my cousin and her husband have been stationed there!
My first thought was England…some lemon poppy biscuits and tea, perhaps?
My guess is the Netherlands.
Scotland – the original birthplace of shortbread!
France. Particularly Normandy.
The Netherlands!! So jealous! I was born in NL and lived there for 12 years. Still have family over there.
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