Introduction
Welcome to a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! These Lemon Curd Cookies are a vibrant burst of sunshine in cookie form. With a tender, buttery base and a luscious, zesty filling of lemon curd, they offer a heavenly balance of sweet and tart flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a sunny day. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging in a well-deserved sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by adding the vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
- With a small spoon or your thumb, create a well in the center of each dough ball and fill it with a generous dollop of lemon curd. This is where the magic happens!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the kitchen is filled with a deliciously sweet aroma.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, give each cookie a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finish before serving.
Notes or Tips
- For a homemade touch, you can prepare your own lemon curd to use as filling, which enhances the flavor even more!
- These cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container. Enjoy them within a week for the best taste.
- If you love extra zest, consider adding some lemon zest to your dough for an intensified citrus flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of cookie baking is all about balance. Creaming the butter and sugar properly creates a light texture, ensuring the cookies are not dense. Making wells in the dough allows for the lemon curd to shine through while baking, resulting in a delightful surprise in each bite!
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought lemon curd? Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd is a great time-saver and will work beautifully in this recipe.
- How should I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
- Can these cookies be frozen? Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Lemon Curd Cookies are a delightful way to brighten your day or make someone else’s day a little sweeter. Their unique combination of rich flavors and lovely textures make them irresistible! So gather your ingredients, embrace your inner baker, and let the cookies bring a little sunshine to your table. Happy baking!