Lemon Curd Cookies

Last updated on June 25, 2025

Lemon Curd Cookies combine the sweetness of a soft cookie with the tart freshness of lemon curd, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies are vibrant, loaded with lemon flavor, and topped off with a dollop of creamy lemon curd. Whether you enjoy baking or are just starting, this recipe will guide you through each step necessary to create these zesty goodies in your own kitchen. The best part? They bring a sunny touch to your dessert table and are bound to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Cookies

If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, you’ll absolutely love these cookies. They’re not just sweet; they’re refreshing and bright, bringing a taste of summer to your plate year-round. The soft, buttery cookie paired with rich lemon curd creates a beautiful balance of flavors. Plus, these cookies are incredibly easy to make! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake them whenever you are ready. They also look stunning when served, making them perfect for parties or special events.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these delicious Lemon Curd Cookies.

Lemon Curd Cookies

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Curd Cookies are soft, buttery thumbprints filled with tangy homemade lemon curd. A delightful balance of sweet and tart, they’re perfect for spring gatherings, holiday trays, or anytime you crave a zesty treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

For Rolling and Dusting:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional Add-Ons:

• A pinch of food coloring (for vibrant yellow cookies)
• Chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts, for added crunch)

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Instructions

1. Make Lemon Curd: If making from scratch, gently simmer lemon juice, sugar, butter, and egg on low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Let cool completely.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream cold, cubed butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Chill Dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 3 days).
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Shape and Roll: Scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball, then roll in granulated sugar to coat.
9. Create Indentations: Place balls on the baking sheet and press a shallow indentation into each center with your thumb or spoon.
10. Fill with Curd: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cooled lemon curd into each indentation.
11. Bake: Bake for 9–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should remain soft.
12. Cool: Let cookies cool for a couple minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Finish: Add a little more lemon curd on top if desired and dust with powdered sugar once fully cooled.
14. Store: Refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Make the lemon curd a day in advance for convenience.
• You can use store-bought lemon curd in a pinch.
• Use food coloring for a more vibrant yellow appearance if desired.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: undefined
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: lemon curd cookies, thumbprint cookies, lemon cookies, spring desserts, lemon treats

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Curd Cookies:

To make Lemon Curd Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

For Rolling and Dusting:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional Add-Ons:

• A pinch of food coloring (if you want a more vibrant cookie)
• Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts for added crunch)

These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores, making this recipe accessible for any home baker.

How to Make Lemon Curd Cookies: A Step by Step:

1. Make the Lemon Curd First: Begin this recipe by preparing your lemon curd. If you want to make it from scratch, simmer lemon juice, sugar, butter, and egg on low heat until thick. It’s essential to cool it before using it in the cookies.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients Together: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed. This step is key to evenly distributing the leavening agents.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, use a mixer to cream the cold, cubed butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until they are light and fluffy. This process adds air to the butter, making for tender cookies.

4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

6. Chill Your Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days if you’d prefer to bake them later. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

7. Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

8. Prepare the Dough for Baking: Allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to work with.

9. Shape Your Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the ball in granulated sugar to coat.

10. Create Indentations: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a shallow indentation into the center of each cookie.

11. Fill with Lemon Curd: Carefully spoon about 1 teaspoon of chilled lemon curd into the indentation of each cookie. This is where the magic happens; this curd will melt and create a gooey, delectable center while baking.

12. Bake Until Golden: Bake the cookies in the oven for 9-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may appear soft, but they will continue to cook a little as they cool.

13. Cool on a Rack: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

14. Finish with More Curd and Dusting: Once cooled, if desired, add a little more lemon curd on top of each cookie and dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

15. Store Your Cookies: You can store your Lemon Curd Cookies in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and tasty.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Curd Cookies

Lemon Curd Cookies can be served in many delightful ways. Here are a few serving suggestions you might consider:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a refreshing snack anytime during the day.
• At Afternoon Tea: Serve them alongside tea for a charming afternoon gathering. Pairing with a fruity tea can bring out the lemon flavors beautifully.
• Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert platter at your next gathering or dinner party. They’ll brighten up the table and add a lovely contrast to richer desserts.
• Gifting: Package these cookies in a beautiful box or jar, tied with a ribbon, to share as a thoughtful gift with friends or family.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad for a light, refreshing dessert.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Curd Cookies

Making the perfect Lemon Curd Cookies isn’t just about following the instructions; it’s about adding a few tricks to ensure they come out just right. Here are some pro tips:

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for achieving the right texture. It helps create a tender cookie by keeping fat solid during mixing.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and scales for precise measurements. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, which leads to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Chill the Dough: Be patient and chill the dough. This not only improves flavor but helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time to avoid overcooking.

Easy Variations for Lemon Curd Cookies

Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with these easy variations:

• Add a Glaze: For an extra lemony punch, mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies.
• Mix in Blueberries: Fold in some fresh or dried blueberries into the dough for a pop of berry goodness.
• Lemon Coconut Version: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist on your cookies.
• Chocolate Lemon Cookies: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.

Storage Tips to Store Lemon Curd Cookies

To keep your Lemon Curd Cookies fresh:

• Refrigeration is Key: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their texture and taste. They can last up to 4 days.
• Layering: If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Avoid Freezing the Curd: If you plan to freeze cookies, skip the filling. Consider freezing plain cookies and adding fresh lemon curd after thawing for better texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Curd Cookies are a delightful treat that balances sweet and tart perfectly. With a soft texture and a luscious lemon center, they are ideal for various occasions, from casual snacks to elegant dessert tables. Don’t be intimidated by the steps; the process is straightforward, and the result is nothing short of delicious. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the zesty experience of these delightful cookies.

FAQs About Lemon Curd Cookies

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