Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
These delightful Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe are a perfect blend of soft sugar cookie dough filled with homemade lemon curd. Ideal for any occasion, such as baby showers, weddings, or summer parties, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. With their bright citrus flavor and appealing presentation, they truly stand out as a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be enjoying your cookies in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and juice creates a vibrant taste that will brighten any day.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each cookie cup is just the right size for a sweet treat without overindulging.
- Homemade Goodness: Using fresh lemon curd elevates this dessert, making it extra special and delicious.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Lemon Curd Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively, ensuring even distribution for great flavor.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, making the process easier and quicker.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for evenly baking your cookies without any hassle.
Ingredients
These adorable Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are made with soft sugar cookie dough and homemade lemon curd. A bit like bite-sized lemon pies, they are the perfect sweet treat to serve at baby showers, weddings, and summer parties.
For the Sugar Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Curd Filling
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ tablespoon corn starch
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup butter (cold and cubed)
How to Make Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the lemon zest and mix well.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Form Cookie Cups
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in each ball using your thumb or back of a spoon to create space for the filling.
Step 4: Prepare Lemon Curd Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, corn starch, and lemon zest until combined.
- Cook until thickened while continuously stirring; then remove from heat and stir in cold cubed butter until melted.
Step 5: Fill Cookie Cups
Spoon the warm lemon curd into each cookie indentation until full.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool before serving.
Enjoy your Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe as a delightful addition to any gathering!
How to Serve Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
Lemon Curd Cookies are delightful treats that can brighten up any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve these sweet, tangy cookies.
For Afternoon Tea
- Serve with Tea: Pair your Lemon Curd Cookies with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
- Add Fresh Fruits: Complement the cookies with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a colorful presentation.
At Parties
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, adding edible flowers for an elegant touch.
- Mini Dessert Bar: Set up a dessert bar with various toppings, such as whipped cream and additional lemon curd for guests to customize their cookies.
For Special Occasions
- Baby Showers: These cookies make perfect favors for baby showers; package them in clear bags tied with ribbons.
- Wedding Treats: Offer Lemon Curd Cookies as part of your wedding dessert table to delight your guests with their unique flavor.
How to Perfect Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
To get the best results with your Lemon Curd Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking will help maintain their shape while baking.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor in both the cookies and curd.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can develop gluten in the flour.
- Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding lemon curd to prevent it from melting into the cookie.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
Lemon Curd Cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.
- Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad complements the tanginess of the cookies perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie and goat cheese for a savory contrast to sweet flavors.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful brunch option.
- Lemonade Slushies: A cold lemonade slushie enhances the lemony taste of your cookies while keeping things cool during summer parties.
- Tea Sandwiches: Small, savory sandwiches can balance out the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
- Chocolate Fondue: A chocolate fondue station allows guests to dip cookie pieces into rich chocolate, creating an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Lemon Curd Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring flour properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the lemon zest: Lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step or use too little; it enhances the lemony goodness in each bite.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading. Allow your dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- These cookies can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe?
A Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe combines soft sugar cookie dough with tangy lemon curd, offering a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I substitute other citrus for lemon?
Yes! You can use lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile while still enjoying delicious cookie cups.
How do I make homemade lemon curd?
To make lemon curd, combine egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until thickened. Cool before using in cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Curd Cookies are not only charming but also incredibly versatile. They shine at events like baby showers or summer parties and can be customized with various zests or fillings. Try this recipe today and indulge in its bright, refreshing flavors!
Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Lemon Curd Cookies, a perfect treat that combines the soft texture of sugar cookies with a tangy homemade lemon curd filling. These charming lemon thumbprint cookies are ideal for any occasion, from summer parties to weddings. Their vibrant citrus flavor and appealing presentation make them a favorite among guests. Easy to make and bursting with freshness, these cookies are not just tasty; they’re a joyful addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup room temperature butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lemon juice (for curd)
- 3 egg yolks (for curd)
- 1½ tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ cup cold cubed butter (for curd)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add lemon zest, then mix in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, creating an indentation in each ball for the filling.
- For the lemon curd, combine lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, corn starch, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Stir in cold cubed butter until melted.
- Fill each cookie indentation with warm lemon curd and bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
