Lemon Curd Cookies

There’s something so comforting about the sweet and tangy flavor of lemon curd. It reminds me of sunny days, laughter echoing in the backyard, and simple yet delightful treats that feel like a warm hug. I stumbled upon the idea for Lemon Curd Cookies one spring afternoon while craving something fresh and bright to share with my family. It was love at first bite. These cookies are buttery, tender, and topped with a vibrant lemon curd that bursts with citrusy goodness in every mouthful. The best part? They look fancy enough to impress guests but are surprisingly easy to whip up—even with little helpers around.

This recipe has quickly become a family favorite. My kids can’t wait to grab one (or two) while I’m dusting them with powdered sugar. Even my husband, who claims to be “more of a chocolate guy,” can’t help but reach for seconds. I’ve made them for potlucks, playdates, and just because—and each time, they vanish almost as fast as I can plate them. The balance of tart lemon and sweet, buttery cookie dough is pure magic. If you love lemon desserts, I promise these cookies will win you over. They’re bright, beautiful, and totally irresistible. Let’s dive into this recipe that will bring a ray of sunshine to your kitchen!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought lemon curd works well. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

2. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps keep the cookies from spreading. You’ll get a more defined shape this way!

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough in advance and freeze it. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before rolling it out and filling it with lemon curd.

4. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No worries! You can use a tablespoon to measure the dough or roll small balls by hand. A cookie scoop is just handy for consistency.

5. Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Certainly! A touch of vanilla or almond extract in the dough can add a nice twist. You can also sprinkle a bit of zest on top for extra citrusy aroma.

What You Need to Make Lemon Curd Cookies

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Special Tools:

Stand or hand mixer

Mixing bowls

Cookie scoop

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

How to Make Lemon Curd Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but should hold together.

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small well in the center of each ball.

Fill each well with about 1 teaspoon of lemon curd. Be careful not to overfill, as the curd may overflow when baking.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Curd Cookies

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! It helps keep the cookies from spreading and gives them a perfect texture.

Homemade Lemon Curd: If you have a few extra minutes, making your own lemon curd elevates the flavor. It’s fresher and more vibrant!

Use Fresh Lemons: The zest and juice from fresh lemons give these cookies their signature bright flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.

Storage Tips: Keep these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Adding a Little Texture: For a slight crunch, try sprinkling some crushed nuts or graham cracker crumbs on top of the curd before baking.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These cookies are a hit at every gathering! The lemon curd is so bright and flavorful. I’ll definitely make them again.” — Rachel K.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious! Next time, I think I’ll add a little extra lemon zest to the dough for even more citrus kick.” — Mike S.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for my tea party! The kids loved helping make the thumbprints and filling them with curd.” — Emily J.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe! Mine spread a bit, but I’ll make sure to chill the dough longer next time. Still tasted amazing!” — Sarah L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are my new favorite cookies. Easy to make, and they taste like summer in every bite!” — Jen P.

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Sharing delicious food is one of life’s greatest joys! If these Lemon Curd Cookies brought a smile to your face (or your family’s), please share this recipe with friends and loved ones. Tag us on social media so we can see your beautiful creations and spread the love of lemony goodness. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one cookie at a time!