Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (a pinch)
Filling and Topping
- ½ cup lemon curd
- Granulated sugar for caramelizing topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Gently beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space to spread slightly during baking. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball, to hold the lemon curd later.
- Fill with Lemon Curd: Spoon a generous dollop of lemon curd into each indentation, being careful not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Monitor closely to ensure the centers stay soft and creamy without overbaking.
- Create the Crème Brûlée Topping: After the cookies have cooled slightly, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on each lemon curd center. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden brûlée crust. Allow the topping to harden before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and egg yolks for smoother mixing and an even dough.
- Do not overfill the centers with lemon curd to prevent leakage.
- Chill the dough well before shaping to keep cookies thick and chewy.
- Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for the best crispy brûlée texture.
- Choose high-quality or homemade lemon curd for superior flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: lemon curd cookies, crème brûlée cookies, lemon desserts, citrus cookies, baked desserts, easy cookie recipes