Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic cookies, these Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies will leave your taste buds singing! With a perfectly creamy lemon curd center and a crispy, caramelized sugar topping, these cookies give you the joy of a crème brûlée packed into a delightful bite. Each bite boasts a burst of citrusy flavor that dances on your palate, making them the perfect treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a lovely dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for topping
- Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect foundation for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a rich base for your cookies.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated, and allow those delightful flavors to meld.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring everything is well combined for a smooth dough.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and flatten each slightly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Place a generous dollop of lemon curd in the center of each cookie, giving them that refreshing tang.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar, creating that signature caramelized crust.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top of each cookie until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can pop them under a broiler for a few minutes; just watch them closely to prevent burning!
- Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then garnish each with fresh lemon zest before serving for that extra pop of flavor.
Notes or Tips
For the best results, be sure to use room temperature butter and eggs, as this will help create a smooth batter. If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, homemade or store-bought will both work beautifully. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days—though we doubt they’ll last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Caramelizing sugar with a kitchen torch may seem intimidating at first, but with careful control, it’s easy to achieve a beautiful crisp topping. If using the broiler method, keep a close eye on the cookies as they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. The fresh lemon zest not only adds a splash of color but also enhances the lemon flavor beautifully—don’t skip it!
FAQ
Can I substitute the lemon curd with something else?
If you’d like to try a different flavor, feel free to substitute the lemon curd with lime curd or even chocolate ganache for a unique twist!
How can I make these cookies more lemony?
For an extra zing, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough along with the vanilla extract.
Conclusion
These Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with friends, they are sure to impress and bring a little sunshine into your day. So gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin!