Mothers Day Lemon Butter Sandwiches (Print Version)

Delicate finger sandwiches with bright lemon butter, ideal for an elegant Mother's Day gathering.

# What You 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until light and creamy.
02 - Lay out 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 buttered bread slices. Add radishes and herbs if using. Sprinkle with black pepper.
04 - Top with 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 Hints:

01 -
  • The lemon butter is shockingly simple to make but tastes like you've been planning this for weeks.
  • You can prepare everything ahead, which means you're actually relaxed when guests arrive instead of frazzled in the kitchen.
  • These sandwiches look impossibly elegant on a plate but require zero fancy skills or intimidating techniques.
02 -
  • Don't make the lemon butter more than a few hours ahead or the lemon juice can start to separate—mix it fresh on the day you're serving for the best texture and taste.
  • Slice your cucumber on a mandoline if you have one, because the thinner and more uniform the slices, the more elegant and refined each bite becomes.
03 -
  • If your butter seems too soft or is sliding around, pop it in the fridge for five minutes to firm up slightly before spreading—you want it soft enough to spread smoothly but cool enough to hold its shape.
  • The secret to clean cuts is a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried before each slice, which creates a clean separation instead of a jagged tear through delicate bread.
Go Back