Lemon Curd Cookies

Introduction:
Lemon Curd Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet and tart flavors. These soft, chewy cookies are filled with homemade or store-bought lemon curd, creating a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Perfect for tea time, dessert, or just a snack, these cookies are sure to brighten your day.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
Inspired by the bright flavors of summer, these cookies bring the refreshing taste of lemon curd into a delightful cookie form. They’re a perfect way to showcase the versatility of lemon curd beyond traditional spreads.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  • For the Cookies:
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • Zest of 1 lemon
  • For the Filling:
    • 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
  • For Garnish (optional):
    • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough:
    • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
    • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  4. Form the Cookies:
    • Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and form it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
    • Gently press down the center of each cookie to create a small indentation.
  5. Fill with Lemon Curd:
    • Spoon about 1 teaspoon of lemon curd into the center of each cookie indentation.
  6. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
  7. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Curd Cookies:

  1. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking to make it easier to handle.
  2. Zest Properly: Use a microplane to finely zest the lemon for the best flavor without the bitterness of the white pith.
  3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies to ensure they remain soft and chewy; they will continue to set as they cool.

Variations and Customizations:

  1. Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
  2. Use Other Citrus: Experiment with lime or orange curd for a different flavor profile.
  3. Glazed Cookies: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

  • Lower Sugar Option: Substitute some of the sugar with a sugar alternative for a lighter cookie.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.

FAQ:

  1. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
    Yes, the cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Bake when ready to serve.
  2. What can I use instead of lemon curd?
    If you don’t have lemon curd, you can use fruit preserves or a tangy cream cheese filling as an alternative.
  3. How should I store these cookies?
    Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Lemon Curd Cookies

Lemon Curd Cookies

Delight in the bright, tangy flavors of Lemon Curd Cookies, featuring a soft and chewy base filled with zesty lemon curd. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to add a refreshing touch to your dessert table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36
Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup lemon curd
  • ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl combine the flour and the salt and set aside.
  • Add the butter, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a large mixing bowl and mix on high until light and fluffy: about three minutes. Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract and mix on high for a minute.
  • Add the flour and stir in until combined.
  • Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for about one hour.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and make about 36 one-inch balls with your dough.
  • Place the balls evenly spaced onto your baking tray and flatten them slightly with your hand. Use a rounded teaspoon or your thumb to make a small well in the middle of each ball.
  • Fill each cookie with about a teaspoon of lemon curd.
  • Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are just starting to brown.
  • Remove from the baking sheet and allow to completely cool.
  • Use a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
  • Pack and store in an airtight container between sheets of wax paper.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Keyword cookies, Dessert Recipe, lemon cookies, lemon curd, Lemon Curd Cookies
Share
Pin1
1 Shares