Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 3 lemons
- ½ cup lemon curd
- ½ cup sweetened cream cheese
Directions:
- Cream and Mix: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Fill: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with a mixture of lemon curd and sweetened cream cheese, about ½ teaspoon each.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Nutrition Information and Serving Size:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per cookie
- Servings: 24 cookies
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Fresh and Zesty: Serve these Stuffed Lemon Cookies fresh out of the oven for the ultimate burst of lemony flavor.
- Cooling Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving to ensure they firm up properly and maintain their shape.
- Presentation is Key: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or serving tray for an eye-catching presentation at your next gathering.
- Share the Joy: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a pretty tin or box tied with ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present.
- Store Strategically: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing Instructions: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked taste.
- Revive Stale Cookies: If your cookies become slightly stale, revive them by placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies overnight. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and become soft and fresh again.
- Pairing Perfection: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot tea, a glass of cold milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful flavor pairing.
- Customize Your Creations: Get creative with the fillings by trying different flavors of curd, such as lime or orange, or experimenting with different types of cream cheese, like strawberry or chocolate, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Variations :
- Lemon Blueberry Bliss: Mix fresh blueberries into the lemon curd filling for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Lemon Lavender Delight: Infuse the lemon curd with dried lavender petals for a fragrant and elegant twist.
- Lemon Raspberry Surprise: Add a dollop of raspberry jam to the center of each cookie for a sweet and tangy surprise.
- Lemon Coconut Dream: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the filled cookies before baking for a tropical touch.
- Lemon Cream Pie Cookies: Swap the cream cheese filling for a silky lemon custard for a decadent pie-inspired treat.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Pleasure: Mix poppy seeds into the cookie dough for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Lemon Meringue Marvel: Pipe a swirl of fluffy meringue on top of each cookie before baking for an irresistible finish.
- Lemon White Chocolate Indulgence: Fold white chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a creamy and decadent twist.
- Lemon Almond Elegance: Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top of the filled cookies for a crunchy and nutty accent.
- Lemon Basil Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped fresh basil into the cookie dough for a surprising herbal note.
- Lemon Honey Harmony: Drizzle a touch of honey over the filled cookies before serving for a natural sweetness.
- Lemon Blackberry Bliss: Top each cookie with a fresh blackberry before baking for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
- Lemon Ginger Zing: Stir finely grated fresh ginger into the cookie dough for a spicy and invigorating kick.
- Lemon Pistachio Paradise: Press chopped pistachios into the edges of the filled cookies for a colorful and crunchy topping.
- Lemon Cardamom Infusion: Add ground cardamom to the cookie dough for a warm and aromatic flavor profile.
FAQs:
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store in the freezer. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use store-bought lemon curd and cream cheese? Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd and cream cheese for convenience. Just be sure to use high-quality products for the best flavor.
- Can I omit the lemon zest? While the lemon zest adds extra flavor to the cookies, you can omit it if desired. The cookies will still be delicious, but they may lack some of the bright citrus flavor.
- Can I substitute the lemon curd with another filling? Yes, you can experiment with different fillings such as raspberry jam, orange marmalade, or chocolate hazelnut spread for a variety of flavors.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make gluten-free lemon cookies. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt to compensate for the saltiness of the butter.
- Can I refrigerate the cookie dough overnight? Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking the cookies.
- Can I make smaller or larger cookies? Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. For smaller cookies, use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time accordingly. For larger cookies, use a larger cookie scoop and increase the baking time as needed.
- Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes to make dairy-free lemon cookies. Just be sure to use products that are suitable for your dietary needs.
- Can I store baked cookies at room temperature? Yes, you can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a burst of lemony goodness, our Stuffed Lemon Cookies are sure to impress. With their delicate texture and creamy lemon filling, these cookies are a true delight for the senses. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a little slice of lemony heaven!