3tablespoonsplus 2 teaspoons unsalted buttersoftened to the point of being almost but not quite melted (50 grams)
¼teaspoonvanilla extract
½teaspoongrated lemon zest or a mixture of orange and lemon zest
1tablespoonplus 1 teaspoon of milk plus more if neededroom temperature
1largeegg yolkroom temperature
¼cupgolden raisins or candied fruitsuch as the kind you buy for fruitcake
2tablespoonsslivered almonds
1tablespoonlightly beaten egg for brushing
1largechocolate bararound 3 oz of high quality chocolate (like Lindt or Dove), chopped
1teaspooncoconut oiloptional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt and stir until evenly mixed.
Make a well in the flour mixture and add the very soft butter, vanilla, lemon or orange zest, milk, and egg yolk. Give it a stir, then add the chocolate and fruit. Stir until it all holds together, then empty onto a pastry mat or a clean surface and knead into a smooth dough.
Shape into 5 large balls. Roll in slivered almonds and brush with beaten egg.
Evenly space the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 for about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
When cool, melt the chocolate (and coconut oil if you want the chocolate to be softer) in a microwave using 50% power and stirring every minute or so. Spoon over the cookies. Put in the freezer just to set the chocolate, then remove.