The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and something sweet is in the air! Picture yourself wandering through bustling marketplaces, where the scents of citrus and sugar waft through the stands like an irresistible perfume. You can almost taste the excitement, can’t you? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a vibrant culinary escapade with Lemon Curd Cookies that are sure to brighten your day!
Why make this recipe
Let’s face it, life is too short for boring cookies. These Lemon Curd Cookies dance between sweet and tart, like a tango on your taste buds! They embody the spirit of summer, bringing the zesty sunshine of lemons right into your kitchen. And let’s not forget the playful burst of lemon curd sitting in that delectable little center. Trust me; your afternoon tea just leveled up!
How to make Lemon Curd Cookies
Ready your mixing bowls and revive your inner baker, because we’re about to create something magical. Grab your apron, toss your hair into a messy bun, and let’s get whisking!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons (174 g) granulated sugar
- Lemon zest from one lemon
- 1/4 cup prepared lemon curd (yes, you can buy it, or you can make your own masterpiece)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (the secret fairy dust)
- 1 1/4 cup (155 g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed (the sunshine in liquid form)
Directions:
- Start your culinary journey by preheating your oven to a welcoming 350 degrees F/180 degrees C. Jazz up your cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, because we want no sticky situations here!
- Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour and salt like you’re mixing up a potion of deliciousness.
- Now, in a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar using a mixer until it’s light, fluffy, and cloud-like. Add the vibrant lemon zest and vanilla extract, stirring to bring dreams to life.
- Gradually mix in the flour until your dough comes together in a glorious mass of cheerful yellow.
- Scoop out roughly 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough, roll them in the remaining sugar, and place them artfully on the prepared sheet. Make indentations that beckon for lemon curd to fill them – this is the heart of the cookie!
- Bake these beauties for 13-15 minutes until the tops dry and the bottoms are a glorious golden brown like the sun setting over a tropical beach.
- Let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to fully embrace their destiny.
- To crown these zesty treats, mix lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla to create a shiny glaze. Adjust the consistency if you’re feeling adventurous, and drizzle away! Allow the glaze to set for 15 minutes. Et voilà!
How to serve Lemon Curd Cookies
Serve these delectable cookies with a cup of spiced chai or your favorite brewed beverage to elevate your snacking experience. Bonus points for finding a sunny spot to bask in as you indulge!
How to store Lemon Curd Cookies
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, their sunny disposition may lead them to disappear faster than you can say “lemon zest”!
Tips to make Lemon Curd Cookies
- For an extra zing, try adding a touch of limoncello to the cookie dough!
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to avoid sad, flat cookies — you want them thick and fluffy!
- Experiment with different fillings, like a dollop of raspberry jam or a sprinkle of coconut. Who says lemon gets to have all the fun?
Variations
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider taking a trip around the world with these cookies! Think matcha-infused dough or a maple glaze instead of lemon. Or how about a tropical twist with a splash of coconut? Let your flavor adventures run wild!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You sure can! Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and you’re all set on your gluten-free culinary adventure!
Q: How do I make my own lemon curd?
A: Just combine equal parts sugar and lemon juice, add a bit of butter and eggs, and watch as it transforms into a velvety treat! Plenty of recipes abound online—give it a whirl!
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a container after they’ve cooled and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for those unexpected sweet cravings!
Let your inner culinary explorer out, and make these Lemon Curd Cookies today! They might just become your new favorite travel companion, bringing sunshine to your kitchen and joy to your taste buds!
Lemon Curd Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line the cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- In a larger bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring well.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Scoop out roughly 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the remaining sugar, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, making indentations for the lemon curd.
- Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes until the tops are dry and the bottoms are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Mix lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla to create a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set for 15 minutes.