Why You’ll Love These Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Bright and Citrusy: The tangy lemon filling adds a refreshing twist to a buttery cookie base.
- Beautifully Balanced: Sweet and tart flavors come together for the perfect bite.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tools You’ll Need
- Piping bag (optional): For filling the cookies.
- Mixing bowls: For the cookie dough and lemon filling.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
- Saucepan: For cooking the lemon filling.
- Cookie cutter or glass: To shape the cookies.
- Baking sheet: For baking the cookies.
Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with vibrant lemon flavor, these Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies are a citrusy dream come true. They’re the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet yet tangy dessert, with a luscious lemon filling that surprises you with every bite. Great for parties, afternoon tea, or simply indulging yourself!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Filling:
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat with the second disc of dough. For half of the cookies, cut out a small hole in the center to create a top layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Spread a teaspoon of the chilled lemon filling onto the flat side of each full cookie.
- Top with a cookie that has a hole cut out, pressing gently to sandwich the filling.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for a decorative finish.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Zest First: Zest the lemons before juicing them to save time and avoid waste.
- Adjust the Filling: If you like a sweeter filling, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the lemon curd.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the filled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer, then stack them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. The lemon filling can also be frozen separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd works well if you’re short on time.
Q2: Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough.
Q3: How do I keep the cookies from spreading?
A: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid overworking it during rolling.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Tangy Delight!
These Zesty Lemon-Filled Cookies are a burst of sunshine in dessert form. Their buttery, crumbly texture and vibrant lemon filling make them a favorite for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and let these cookies brighten your day!
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 1g
Enjoy these citrusy treats with every delightful bite!