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Lemon Curd Cookies

Lemon Curd Cookies

Lemon Curd Cookies are delightful buttery treats combining a tender soft cookie base with a bright, tangy lemon curd center. Perfect as a refreshing snack, charming party dessert, or a homemade gift, these cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture balanced by zesty citrus flavor. Easy to make with pantry staples, versatile for dietary adaptations, and perfect for any occasion, they bring a sunny burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

  • ½ cup lemon curd (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by creaming the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well for a smooth consistency. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.
  3. Shape and Fill: Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently create an indentation in the center of each ball, perfect for holding the luscious lemon curd filling.
  4. Add Lemon Curd: Fill each indentation generously with lemon curd. Be careful not to overfill, or the curd might spill during baking. The lemon curd will soften as it bakes, mingling beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies spring back to the touch. Allow them to cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to achieve a smooth dough and fluffy texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender, not tough.
  • Chill the dough well to prevent spreading and enhance flavor concentration.
  • Choose high-quality homemade or store-bought lemon curd for the best flavor burst.
  • Bake cookies until just golden to avoid dryness; soft centers make them irresistible.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon curd cookies, citrus cookies, buttery cookies, gluten free cookies, easy cookie recipe, lemon dessert, tea party cookies