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Lemon Curd Cookies

These cookies feature tangy lemon curd nestled inside crisp, buttery thumbprint cookies, bringing a burst of citrus flavor and comfort in every bite.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 4 large egg yolks Use room temperature for better results.
  • 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut in cubes
For the Cookies
  • 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for better results.
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4-1/2 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling over baked cookies)

Method
 

Make the Lemon Curd
  1. In a saucepan whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir constantly over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes until thick and glossy.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in the cubed cold butter until smooth, then cool completely.
Prep the Dry Mix
  1. In a small bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
Cream the Butter
  1. In a large bowl, rub granulated sugar with lemon zest until aromatic. Add softened butter and cream until fluffy and pale.
  2. Beat in egg and vanilla until glossy.
Combine
  1. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Shape and Chill
  1. Scoop dough into 1–1.5 inch balls. Press each center gently with a 1/2 tsp to make a shallow well.
  2. Chill the tray for 1 hour.
Bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 8–9 minutes until edges are set and centers still soft. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Finish
  1. Lightly dust cookies with powdered sugar and spoon or pipe cooled lemon curd into the wells.

Notes

Short-term: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing: Freeze baked, unfilled cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months.