Lemon Curd Cookies – Imagine taking a bite of a cookie that bursts, with the tangy flavors of lemons. That’s the enchantment of Lemon Curd Cookies. These delightful treats, with their blend of sweetness and zest, have become a staple in my kitchen. Made with lemon juice and zest and filled generously with premium lemon curd these cookies exemplify how simple ingredients can create flavors.
I still vividly recall the first time I baked these Lemon Curd Cookies. It was a sunny afternoon. I wanted to surprise my family with something truly special. The sheer delight on my husband’s and child’s faces after they tasted these cookies was priceless. Since then these cookies have become a favorite among our family members and are always requested for any gathering or occasion.
What makes these Zesty Lemon Curd Cookies truly stand out?
What makes these Lemon Curd Cookies stand out? Firstly it’s their texture. A delicate yet creamy exterior that gives way to a creamy center filled with delectable lemon curd. Secondly, it’s the balance of flavors. The right amount of tanginess from the lemons is beautifully complemented by the sweetness of the curd and sugar. Lastly, it’s their versatility. Ideal as an indulgent teatime snack or as a dessert, for any gathering. They even make perfect gifts that are sure to be appreciated.
What You Need To Make These Zesty Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe?
Unsalted Butter: Oh, the soul of every cookie! Opting for butter that’s been allowed to reach room temperature is like selecting the canvas for our cookie masterpiece. It blends seamlessly resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. Moreover, it grants us control over the level of saltiness ensuring a balance that complements the tanginess of the lemon right.
Caster Sugar or Powdered Sugar: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sugar; it’s like the enchanting fairy dust in our cookie realm. Caster sugar effortlessly integrates into every bite guaranteeing a texture from any graininess. It holds a secret that lends these cookies their lightness and delicacy.
Egg Yolk (Without the White): The yolk plays an essential role here. It binds all the ingredients together imparting richness without weighing down our creation with excess egg white. Think of it as a bridge gracefully connecting all the flavors.
Grated Lemon Zest: This is where true magic unfolds. The zest isn’t merely an ingredient; it’s like a whisper of lemon groves resonating throughout your kitchen. Each speck is brimming with oils that explode with citrusy aromas whisking you away to sun-drenched orchards with every bite.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze in some invigorating freshness! It’s akin, to adding a burst of sunshine that infuses these cookies with tangy notesIt’s not, about having a cookie; it’s about experiencing that tangy sensation that dances on your taste buds.
A Dash of Salt: A small amount of salt can make a difference. It’s the hero that enhances the lemony flavor allowing the sweetness and tartness of the cookie to harmonize beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Let us not underestimate the importance of this flour in our cookies. It provides structure holding all the zesty and buttery goodness together in an embrace.
Premium Lemon Curd: The true highlight of our cookies. Picture a spoonful of sunshine, in each bite – that’s what this curd brings. Smooth, tangy and sweet it adds a burst of lemony delight to transform every cookie into a gourmet delicacy.
Steps To Make Lemon Curd Cookies:
Step 1: Let’s begin by preparing the oven. Preheat it to 180°C. Make sure to line your baking tray with parchment paper, for handling and nonstick results.
Step 2: Now let’s start with the creaming process. In your stand mixer beat together the butter and sugar until you achieve a pale mixture. This usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3: Next, it’s time to add a burst of zestiness. Incorporate the egg yolk, lemon zest, juice, and salt into the mixture. Beat them in until everything is nicely blended.
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Step 4: Moving on to our flour power step. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour bit by bit. Keep mixing until you achieve moist clusters of dough. Remember not to overmix!
Step 5: Now comes the exciting part. Working with the dough! Gently bring it together into a ball using your hands. Be careful not to overwork it; gentle handling is key.
Step 6: Let’s shape our cookies now! Take 1 tablespoon of dough. Roll it into a 1-inch ball shape. Place these balls on your baking tray leaving some space between them.
Step 7: To give our cookies their signature mark use a finger. Spoon to make a deep well in each dough ball. This will create space for our delicious lemon curd!
Step 8: It’s time for baking and observation! Bake the cookies until you notice that their bottoms are lightly golden, in color (around 18 to 20 minutes). Out of the oven check if any wells need deepening before spooning in the lemon curd.
Step 9: Enjoy your baked treats! After finishing the preparation allow the baked goods to cool down and lightly sprinkle them with sugar to achieve a pleasing appearance.
Tip:
For an extra special touch in making your Lemon Curd Cookies, consider chilling the dough before baking. After shaping your dough into balls, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This little pause does wonders:
- Enhances Flavor: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and deepen, especially the lemon zest’s vibrant citrus notes.
- Improves Texture: A chilled dough spreads less in the oven, leading to thicker, more tender cookies with just the right amount of crumble.
- Makes Handling Easier: Cooler dough is less sticky and easier to handle, especially when you’re making the indentations for the lemon curd.
This simple step adds a professional touch to your cookies, making them not just delicious but also giving them a bakery-quality texture and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Definitely! Although homemade lemon curd is fantastic using a high-quality store-bought version works well.
How long do these cookies keep?
For the best taste, it’s recommended to enjoy these cookies when they’re freshly made. However, if stored in an airtight container they can still be enjoyed for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Certainly! You have the option to freeze these cookies without the curd. Once thawed and warmed up simply add the curd, for deliciousness.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Zesty Lemon Curd Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk exclude the white
- 1/2 tbsp grated lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 c room-temperature unsalted butter
- 1/4 c caster sugar powdered sugar is fine too
- 1 and 1/4 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c high-quality lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Get a baking tray ready by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixer blend the butter and sugar until they become smooth and pale.
- Next add the egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt to the mixture. Mix everything well so that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture while keeping the mixer at a low speed. Mix until clusters of moist dough form.
- Now gather the dough together gently with your hands. Shape it into a ball.
- To make each cookie take 1 tablespoon of dough roll it into a ball shape and place it on the tray. Repeat this process while leaving around 1 inch of space, between each ball.
- Using either a floured finger or the back of a spoon create indentations in each dough ball.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until their bottoms turn lightly golden in color.
- Once baked to perfection remove them from the oven. If needed deepen any indentations that may have flattened during baking. Fill each indentation with lemon curd for added flavor.
- Allow time for your delicious cookies to cool down before serving. If desired you can dust them with icing sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Indulge, in these Lemon Curd Cookies. Savor every bite!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
