Stuffed Lemon Cookies

Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, Stuffed Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. These cookies are filled with homemade lemon curd, delivering a refreshing citrus punch that is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookies stand out with their vibrant taste and appealing texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest provides a bright and refreshing taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—holidays, parties, or just because you deserve a sweet treat!
• Homemade Goodness: Using homemade lemon curd elevates these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Fun to Share: These eye-catching cookies are perfect for cookie jars or gift-giving.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Stuffed Lemon Cookies efficiently, gather the necessary tools. Each tool plays an essential role in achieving the perfect cookie.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a fluffy texture when beating butter and sugar together.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.

Ingredients

Soft cookies packed with zingy lemon curd, delivering a bright, homemade citrus punch.

For the Lemon Curd:

• 55 grams superfine sugar (1/4 cup)
• 4 grams cornflour (1 teaspoon)
• 1 egg (53 grams)
• 45 grams freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
• Zest of roughly 1/4 lemon (just the yellow part, no white pith)
• 22 grams unsalted butter (1 and 1/2 tablespoons)

For the Cookie Dough:

• 110 grams softened unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
• 110 grams superfine sugar (1/2 cup)
• Zest from 3/4 lemon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 egg (52 grams)
• 200 grams plain flour (1 and 2/3 cups)
• A tiny bit of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Regular white sugar (for rolling cookies)

How to Make Stuffed Lemon Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

1. Mix the superfine sugar with cornflour in a decent-sized heat-safe bowl.
2. Add the egg and whisk well.
3. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest.
4. Set the bowl over simmering water. Stir frequently for about 8 minutes until it thickens. Keep stirring for another 2 minutes for extra thickness.
5. Remove from heat and drop in the butter. Mix until smooth and allow it to cool quickly.

Step 2: Chill the Lemon Curd

1. Cover the curd’s surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Divide into 10 equal lumps on a lined sheet and freeze them for an hour until solid.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In another bowl, beat softened butter with superfine sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until fluffy.
2. Add the egg and mix well.
3. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda; fold into the mixture until it forms a non-sticky dough.
4. Chill the dough in the fridge for about 20 minutes until firm enough to handle.

Step 4: Assemble Cookies

1. Scoop out balls of dough; flatten each one slightly.
2. Place a frozen lemon curd piece in the center of each dough circle.
3. Wrap dough around filling completely; roll into smooth balls.
4. Roll each ball in regular white sugar before placing on lined baking sheets spaced about 5cm apart.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
3. Allow cooling on the tray before transferring to wire racks.

Enjoy your delightful batch of Stuffed Lemon Cookies! These treats are not only tasty but also perfect for sharing with loved ones!

How to Serve Stuffed Lemon Cookies

Stuffed Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any gathering or just your afternoon snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your cookies alongside a bowl of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast. The tartness of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries complements the citrus flavor beautifully.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This creamy texture pairs well with the zingy lemon filling and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Drizzled with Icing

• Create a simple icing using powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle this over the cookies for an added touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation.

Pair with Tea or Coffee

• These cookies make an excellent companion for tea or coffee. The warm beverages can enhance the citrus notes in the cookies, making for a cozy treat.

Served Warm

• Enjoy your cookies warm from the oven. This makes the lemon curd filling even more luscious and gooey, providing an irresistible treat.

How to Perfect Stuffed Lemon Cookies

Perfecting your Stuffed Lemon Cookies takes practice but is well worth it. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly compared to bottled alternatives.
• Chill Dough Before Baking: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape and thickness.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the baking time; you want them soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
• Experiment with Fillings: While lemon curd is delicious, feel free to experiment with other fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate ganache for variety.
• Roll in Sugar Before Baking: Coating your cookie dough balls in sugar before baking adds a delightful sweetness and a nice texture contrast once baked.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Lemon Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Stuffed Lemon Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Citrus Sorbet: A scoop of citrus sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser that complements the lemon flavors beautifully.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which can be paired with cookies for sweet and savory bites.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a satisfying dessert that pairs nicely with lemon cookies.
5. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A warm chocolate sauce allows guests to dip their cookies, adding rich flavor contrasts that many love.
6. Nut Mix: A combination of almonds, walnuts, or pistachios offers crunchy textures that balance out the soft, chewy cookies perfectly.
7. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Serve alongside refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea to enhance those citrus notes in both the drink and cookie.
8. Panna Cotta: A light vanilla panna cotta provides creaminess that complements these zesty cookies while keeping things elegant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Stuffed Lemon Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a less fluffy dough. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough may result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Firming up the dough helps maintain shape.
• Overbaking the cookies: Leaving them in the oven too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re just golden at the edges.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accurate ingredient amounts, especially for flour and sugar.
• Forgetting about the lemon zest: Zest adds essential flavor to your cookies. Always include it for that bright citrus punch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Stuffed Lemon Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stuffed Lemon Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.

Reheating Stuffed Lemon Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about making Stuffed Lemon Cookies. Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking to enjoy delicious gluten-free stuffed lemon cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to cook as they cool on the tray.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought lemon curd can save you effort while still providing great flavor.

What other fillings can I use besides lemon curd?

You can experiment with different fruit preserves or even chocolate ganache if you want a different twist on your stuffed cookies!

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Lemon Cookies offer a delightful burst of citrus flavor that makes them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various fillings, from fruit curds to chocolate. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating these crowd-pleasers!