Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
Bright, tangy, and cheerfully sunny, this Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe is a sweet treat that manages to be both delicate and utterly irresistible. Imagine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie cradling a dollop of luscious lemon curd, finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply for indulging your citrus cravings. If you love the combination of rich shortbread and zesty lemon, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make this Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe so special. Each one plays a key role—some bring rich flavor, others give the cookies their signature texture, and of course, the lemon curd adds that irresistible burst of citrus. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the base for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, so don’t skip waiting for it to come to room temperature.
- Granulated sugar: This gives the cookies just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together for a soft, cohesive texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the buttery notes.
- All-purpose flour: The classic choice for creating a cookie that’s sturdy yet tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the lemony tang.
- Lemon curd: The star of the show—whether homemade or store-bought, it provides a bright, tangy filling in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting on top adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and lift off the pan without sticking. Having everything ready before you start mixing makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step is key for creating that irresistible light texture in your cookies. Take your time here; the fluffier, the better!
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. The egg yolk adds richness, while the vanilla brings a warm, cozy aroma that pairs perfectly with the citrusy filling to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms—don’t overwork it, or you’ll lose that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. With your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each ball, then spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd into each hollow.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake—they should remain pale and soft, with just a hint of color at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Once the cookies are completely cool, finish with a light shower of powdered sugar if you like. This final touch adds a pretty contrast to the golden cookies and lemony centers—making your Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe look as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, dust the cooled cookies with a gentle coating of powdered sugar or scatter a few curls of fresh lemon zest on top. This not only makes your Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe look bakery-worthy but also adds a subtle hint of lemon aroma right before every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, making them perfect for a relaxed afternoon treat. For something a little more decadent, serve them alongside a bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the tartness of the lemon curd complements creamy and fruity sides so well.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a tiered cake stand for a charming tea party display, or pack them into a pretty box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can even stack them in glass jars for a rustic touch or serve them as part of a springtime dessert board with other citrusy treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookies will stay soft, and the lemon curd will keep its vibrant flavor, making this Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a citrusy pick-me-up.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want to refresh them, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the lemon curd runny and the cookies a bit too soft.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd for this Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd works beautifully and saves time, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade lemon curd will add a special homemade touch to your cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your dough is too soft or warm, the cookies may spread more than you’d like. Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes before shaping can help the cookies hold their shape and keep the lemon curd neatly in the center.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and filling with lemon curd.
How do I make homemade lemon curd?
To make homemade lemon curd, you’ll need fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. Gently cook the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Cool completely before using in your Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe for the best results.
Can I use other types of curd or jam?
Definitely! While classic lemon curd is the star in this Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe, you can experiment with lime, passionfruit, or even raspberry curd. Just make sure your filling isn’t too runny so it stays nestled in the cookie.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cheerful, zesty dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you can’t go wrong with this Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe. It’s a delightful way to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen, and I hope you’ll love baking (and sharing!) these cookies as much as I do.
Print
Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Lemon Curd Cookies are soft, buttery thumbprint cookies filled with tangy lemon curd, perfect for spring or any time you crave a citrusy treat. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a bright, flavorful dessert that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the dough appears smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without any dry flour patches.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball, creating room for the lemon curd filling.
- Fill with Lemon Curd: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd into each indentation, being careful not to overfill to prevent spills during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn just lightly golden.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before shaping.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade lemon curd depending on preference and availability.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
