Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe

These Lemon Curd Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the softness of buttery cookies with the tangy sweetness of homemade lemon curd. The addition of lemon zest and juice gives these cookies a burst of citrus flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. The thumbprint design allows the creamy lemon curd to peek through, adding an elegant touch to your dessert table or afternoon tea spread. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a great addition to any baker’s repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix on high speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about three minutes.

3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for about one hour.

6. Prepare Cookie Balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar until evenly coated.

7. Make Thumbprint Indentations: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking tray, leaving about 3 inches of space between each cookie. Use a rounded teaspoon or your thumb to make a small well in the middle of each ball.

8. Fill with Lemon Curd: Fill each cookie with about a teaspoon of chilled lemon curd.

9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Top Tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons will give your cookies the best flavor. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest for the best results.

2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape and ensures they bake evenly.

4. Press Gently: When making the thumbprint indentations, press gently to avoid cracking the dough.

5. Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container between sheets of wax paper to keep them fresh.

6. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors of your cookies.

Variations:

1. Sour Cream Addition: Add 2 tablespoons of full-fat sour cream to the dough for an extra layer of moisture and flavor.

2. Different Lemon Curd: Use different types of lemon curd, such as a lemon-ginger curd, to give your cookies a unique twist.

3. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a sweet and tangy combination.

4. Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.

5. Citrus Zest: Use different citrus zests like orange or lime to create a unique flavor profile.

6. Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the dough for a warm and spicy twist.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
These cookies are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a great treat option. The lemon curd adds a significant amount of sugar, so moderation is key. However, the combination of butter and lemon zest provides a rich and satisfying flavor that is hard to resist. Enjoy your delicious homemade Lemon Curd Cookies