Lemon lovers, rejoice! These Easy Chilled Crumbl Lemon Bar Cookies are everything you could want in a dessert—soft, buttery, and bursting with bright, citrusy flavor. If you’ve ever had Crumbl’s famous lemon bar cookies, you’ll love this homemade version that’s just as delicious, if not better!
This recipe is perfect for those who crave a refreshing and zesty treat, ideal for spring and summer gatherings, or simply as a delightful pick-me-up. Plus, the best part? These cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and require no fancy techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy – The buttery cookie base pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon curd.
- Easy to Make – No need for complicated steps or advanced baking skills.
- Chilled for Maximum Flavor – Letting the cookies cool enhances their flavor and texture.
- Great for Parties and Gifts – These cookies look stunning and taste even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious lemon bar cookies:
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons butter vanilla emulsion
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping:
- ½ cup lemon curd (homemade preferred, see notes)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (¼ cup size)
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, butter vanilla emulsion, and lemon extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Scoop the Dough: Using a large cookie scoop (¼ cup), form 7 evenly sized cookie dough balls.
- Flatten the Cookies: Gently press each dough ball to about ¾ inch in thickness on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 11 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
- Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Curd
- Top the Cookies: Once completely cooled, spread a generous amount of lemon curd on each cookie.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Finish by lightly dusting the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Tips and Variations
- Make It Extra Lemony: Add a bit more lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dough for an extra citrus kick.
- Homemade Lemon Curd: For the best flavor, use homemade lemon curd. It’s easy to make with fresh lemons, eggs, butter, and sugar.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze the baked cookies (without lemon curd) for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and add lemon curd.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes! While homemade lemon curd offers the freshest taste, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly fine for convenience.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, since they have lemon curd on top, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.
Perfect Pairings
- Drink Pairings: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, iced lemonade, or even a vanilla latte.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for an extra indulgent dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Chilled Crumbl Lemon Bar Cookies are a must-try for any citrus lover. They are simple to make, full of bright flavors, and perfect for any occasion. If you love the combination of sweet and tangy, these cookies will become a staple in your kitchen.
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