Introduction
Few things bring as much joy as biting into a perfectly baked cookie, especially when it’s infused with the refreshing zest of lemon. These Creamy Lemon Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery, and filled with a luscious lemon cream, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Each bite feels like a burst of sunshine, making them perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or even a refreshing snack. These cookies are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. If you love citrus-flavored treats, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the sheet.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cookies. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps give the cookies a delicate crumbly texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring slowly until a soft dough forms. The dough should be easy to handle and not too sticky.
Step 4:
Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indent in the center of each ball. This will hold the delicious lemon filling.
Step 5:
Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd. Be careful not to overfill, as the curd will expand slightly during baking.
Step 6:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. You’ll want to avoid overbaking these cookies to maintain their soft, buttery texture. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7:
For the finishing touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and gives the cookies a beautiful, delicate appearance.
COOKING Note
- Lemon Curd: You can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience, but if you want to make it from scratch, it’s quite simple. Homemade lemon curd typically requires just a few ingredients—lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter—and brings an extra level of freshness to the recipe.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the dough helps to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Serving Suggestions
These Creamy Lemon Butter Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, making them perfect for an afternoon tea party or a light dessert after dinner. Their tangy lemon flavor is also a refreshing treat on a warm day. Serve them on a platter dusted with powdered sugar for a picture-perfect presentation. For a bit of variety, you could also pair the cookies with a fruit salad or serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
Tips
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Simply bake them, allow them to cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply shape the dough and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:12 minutes
Total Time:27 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 6g
Storage and Leftovers
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If frozen, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before enjoying. You can refresh the cookies by lightly warming them in the oven if desired.
Conclusion
These Creamy Lemon Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a delicate buttery texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of lemon zest and lemon curd creates a zesty flavor profile that feels like a burst of sunshine in every bite. They’re easy to make, and the addition of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finishing touch. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or as a light snack, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day.
FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade lemon curd?
A: Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd will give your cookies an extra fresh and tangy flavor. However, store-bought lemon curd works just as well if you’re short on time.
Q: How can I make the cookies even more lemony?
A: If you’re a fan of strong lemon flavors, you can add a bit more lemon zest to the dough or even mix some lemon juice into the batter. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid, as it could affect the texture of the cookies.
Q: Can I use a different filling instead of lemon curd?
A: Yes! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the lemon curd with raspberry jam, strawberry preserves, or even Nutella for a delicious variation.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into balls, flatten them slightly, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as instructed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
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Creamy Lemon Butter Cookies – A Zesty Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the sheet.
Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cookies. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps give the cookies a delicate crumbly texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring slowly until a soft dough forms. The dough should be easy to handle and not too sticky.
Step 4:
- Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indent in the center of each ball. This will hold the delicious lemon filling.
Step 5:
- Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd. Be careful not to overfill, as the curd will expand slightly during baking.
Step 6:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. You’ll want to avoid overbaking these cookies to maintain their soft, buttery texture. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7:
- For the finishing touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and gives the cookies a beautiful, delicate appearance.
Notes
- Lemon Curd: You can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience, but if you want to make it from scratch, it’s quite simple. Homemade lemon curd typically requires just a few ingredients—lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter—and brings an extra level of freshness to the recipe.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the dough helps to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skip this ingredient