Lemon Curd Cookies

A Buttery, Tangy Delight

Lemon lovers, rejoice! These Lemon Curd Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or just to satisfy your citrus cravings, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Curd Cookies

  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
  • Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon curd provides an incredible burst of citrusy goodness.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s afternoon tea, a holiday gathering, or a simple treat for yourself, these cookies are always a hit.
  • Soft and Buttery Texture: The delicate, crumbly shortbread-style base pairs beautifully with the smooth, tangy lemon curd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup lemon curd

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spoon or your finger (for indenting the cookies)
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Add in the egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt, then mix until well combined.

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and beat on low speed until the mixture turns into clumps. Using your hands, press the clumps together into a single ball of dough.

3. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Repeat with the remaining dough, forming about 15-20 balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each since they will expand slightly.

Use a spoon or your finger to press down the center of each dough ball to create an indentation for the lemon curd.

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.

5. Cool and Fill

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, dust with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and then fill each indentation with lemon curd.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Curd Cookies!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) instead of an egg yolk.
  • Berry Twist: Instead of lemon curd, try filling the cookies with raspberry or blueberry jam.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Store Lemon Curd Cookies

  • At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerated: Since lemon curd is perishable, store in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and fill with fresh lemon curd.

Best Food and Drink Pairings

  • Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea.
  • Coffee: Enjoy them with a cappuccino or a latte for a balanced sweet and creamy experience.
  • Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or lemon sorbet for an extra special treat.

FAQs

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies in advance and store them unfilled, adding the lemon curd just before serving.

What Can I Use Instead of Lemon Curd?

If you don’t have lemon curd, you can use fruit preserves, caramel, or even Nutella as a filling.

Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to overly soft butter. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

How Do I Make Homemade Lemon Curd?

To make homemade lemon curd, whisk together ½ cup sugar, 2 egg yolks, 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest over low heat until thickened. Strain and cool before using.

Try This Recipe and Share Your Thoughts!

We hope you enjoy these delicious Lemon Curd Cookies! If you try this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!

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