Description
Lemon curd cookies bring zesty sunshine to classic shortbread, merging delicate buttery pastry with tangy citrus filling. European bakers will adore these sophisticated treats that balance sweet and tart in one perfect, elegant bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup lemon curd
Sugar and Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup caster sugar or powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for perfect cookies.
- Using a stand mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce the egg yolk, incorporating lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and salt; blend thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold in flour at a low mixer speed, stopping once the dough forms moist, crumbly clusters.
- Delicately form the dough into a cohesive ball, avoiding excessive handling to maintain a tender texture.
- Craft uniform dough balls measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, spacing them evenly across the prepared baking sheet with a minimum 1-inch gap between each.
- Gently create a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie using a finger dusted with flour, forming a small well for lemon curd.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown and the surface feels firm.
- Upon removing from the oven, quickly reinforce the center indentations if they have slightly flattened during baking.
- While the cookies remain warm, generously fill each dimple with lemon curd, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Optional: Return the filled cookies to the oven for an additional brief moment to slightly set the curd.
- Complete the presentation by delicately sprinkling confectioners’ sugar over the cooled cookies just before serving.
Notes
- Capture the essence of summer with these delightful lemon-infused cookies that burst with tangy sweetness.
- Perfectly balanced cookies combine buttery texture with bright citrus notes, creating an irresistible treat.
- Minimal ingredients transform simple pantry staples into elegant, melt-in-your-mouth desserts.
- Versatile recipe allows for make-ahead preparation, ideal for last-minute gatherings or quiet afternoon tea.
- Gentle handling of dough ensures tender, crumbly cookies that showcase the delicate lemon curd filling.
- Professional bakery-style results achievable in your home kitchen with just a few easy steps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg