Mothers Day Lemon Butter Sandwiches (Print)

Bright lemon butter with thin cucumber slices creates elegant finger sandwiches for special occasions.

# What you'll need:

→ Lemon Butter

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 teaspoons powdered sugar

→ Sandwiches

06 - 12 slices soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
07 - 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes, optional
09 - 1/4 cup fresh chives or dill, finely chopped, optional
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until light and creamy.
02 - Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of lemon butter on each slice.
03 - Layer thinly sliced cucumber evenly on half of the bread slices. Add radishes and herbs if using. Sprinkle with black pepper.
04 - Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side down. Press gently to adhere.
05 - Using a sharp knife, trim off the crusts if not already done, then cut each sandwich into 3 neat finger sandwiches or triangles.
06 - Arrange on a serving platter and cover with a lightly dampened towel until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They look fancy enough to impress guests but honest enough to make alone on a Tuesday when you want something that tastes like kindness.
  • The lemon butter does all the heavy lifting, turning humble bread and cucumber into something your guests will actually ask about.
  • Twenty minutes from start to finish means you can pull these together without stress, even if you're running late.
02 -
  • Bread temperature matters more than you'd think—pull it from the bag thirty minutes before you start so the lemon butter spreads without tearing delicate slices.
  • Cucumber needs to be dry, and I mean truly dry, or it will slowly release water and turn your sandwiches sad and soggy by the time guests arrive.
03 -
  • Invest in a good microplane for zesting—it makes the difference between getting bright flavor and bruised, bitter pith mixed in.
  • Chill your butter mixture for five minutes before spreading if your kitchen is warm; it makes the whole process less messy and more forgiving.
Go back