Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two half-sheet baking pans with parchment paper or nonstick liners to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg yolks, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt. Beat the mixture until fully combined. The zest and juice will add a fragrant, tangy flavor to the dough, making it perfect for this cookie recipe.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Beat until just combined, and the dough begins to form moist clumps. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Shaping the Dough
- Gather the dough together in the bowl to bind it. You can use your hands to knead it gently if necessary. Once the dough is smooth and cohesive, it’s ready to be shaped.
- Scoop out scant tablespoons of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. This will create small, round cookies that will bake evenly.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You want to give them room to spread slightly while baking.
Step 4: Creating the Lemon Curd Wells
- Use your finger or the back of a spoon to gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. Be careful not to press too hard; the goal is to create a shallow well that will hold the lemon curd without flattening the cookie too much.
- Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of lemon curd. You can use store-bought lemon curd or make your own if you prefer a more homemade touch.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. The edges of the cookies should be slightly golden brown, and the centers should appear set. The lemon curd will bubble gently while baking, making for a lovely visual effect.
- Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
These Lemon Curd Cookies are a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and tangy lemon. The smooth, citrusy lemon curd adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, making these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying way to bring a little sunshine to your day.
So, the next time you’re craving something fresh and sweet, give these Lemon Curd Cookies a try. They’re sure to brighten up your kitchen and your taste buds!
