Oh my goodness, have you tried *stuffed lemon cookies* yet? They’re like little bites of sunshine! The first time I made them, my kitchen was filled with the bright, zesty aroma of fresh lemons, and I just knew I was onto something special. There’s something so delightful about biting into a soft, buttery cookie only to discover a luscious lemon curd center that just bursts with flavor. It’s an experience that makes you feel like spring has arrived, even in the middle of winter! Trust me, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a tea party, bringing a dessert to a gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day. Once you make these, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s get baking and fill our homes with that joyous lemony goodness!
Ingredients for Stuffed Lemon Cookies
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want to make sure everything is fresh and ready to go for these delightful cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them that lovely structure.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor; it helps create that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the cookies nicely, balancing out the tartness of the lemon.
- 1 egg: Just one is all we need to bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best! This is where that zesty flavor really comes from.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Don’t skimp on this! It packs a punch of citrusy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This will help our cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup lemon curd (for filling): This is the star of the show! It makes the cookies stuffed and oh-so-delicious.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re already on your way to creating a batch of irresistible stuffed lemon cookies. Let’s get ready to mix and bake!
How to Prepare Stuffed Lemon Cookies
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients lined up, it’s time to get our hands a little messy and create those amazing stuffed lemon cookies! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step, and before you know it, you’ll be savoring these delightful treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dough
First things first! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This part is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies nice and tender. Next, crack in the egg, followed by the lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix this all together until it’s well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to stay soft and tender!
Forming the Cookies
Now the fun part! Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them on your baking sheet, leaving some space between each scoop. With your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each scoop. This is where the magic happens! Fill each indentation with a generous dollop of lemon curd. Don’t be shy here; the more, the merrier!
Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop those cookies in for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a little soft. It’s okay if they seem a tad underbaked—they’ll set up perfectly as they cool on the wire rack. Take a moment to bask in the aroma wafting through your kitchen; it’s going to be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these *stuffed lemon cookies*! Here’s why they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest brings a refreshing zing that’s simply irresistible.
- Delightful Surprise: Each cookie has a luscious lemon curd center that adds a burst of sweetness and tang to every bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence. No fancy techniques required!
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and buttery, with a slightly chewy edge that makes them utterly delightful.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a sunny picnic, a cozy afternoon tea, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemons and quality ingredients means every bite is bursting with flavor and goodness.
- Batch-Friendly: You can easily double the recipe to share with friends or save some for later—trust me, they won’t last long!
Once you try these cookies, you’ll see why they’re a favorite around here! They’re just one of those baked goods that bring joy to your day.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *stuffed lemon cookies* turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh lemons. The flavor difference is incredible, and it really elevates the cookies!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center—this is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long, that is!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix it up! A touch of vanilla or almond extract can add a lovely depth to the flavor.
With these tips, you’re all set to make the most amazing stuffed lemon cookies that everyone will adore!
Nutritional Information
Alright, so let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful *stuffed lemon cookies*! While they’re definitely a treat, they also pack a decent amount of flavor and satisfaction in each bite. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying when you indulge in one of these cookies. They’re perfect for treating yourself while still feeling good about what you’re eating. Enjoy every zesty bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these *stuffed lemon cookies*? No problem! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd can save you time and still tastes delicious. Just make sure to choose a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
What can I substitute for lemon curd?
If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can make a quick filling using a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of lemon juice. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and filling.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep your *stuffed lemon cookies* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw before enjoying!
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! Adding a bit of vanilla extract or even some poppy seeds can complement the lemon flavor beautifully. Just remember not to overpower that delightful lemon essence!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious *stuffed lemon cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delightful for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
If you prefer them warm, you can reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want them warm, not hot! This little step brings back that freshly baked feel and makes the lemon curd inside ooze just a bit. Yum!
Print
Stuffed Lemon Cookies: 7 Joyful Bites of Sunshine
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious stuffed lemon cookies with a sweet filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon curd (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each scoop.
- Fill each indentation with lemon curd.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: stuffed lemon cookies, lemon desserts, cookie recipes
