Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie to hold the lemon curd.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Add lemon curd: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a small amount of lemon curd into the indentation on each cookie. This adds a tangy and sweet contrast to the buttery base.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for extra brightness. Serve and enjoy these refreshing lemon curd cookies with tea or as a delightful snack.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- If lemon curd is too thick, soften it slightly by warming it gently before adding to cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add lemon curd just before serving to keep cookies from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best authentic lemon flavor.
- For extra decorative touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
