Introduction
These Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crème brûlée dessert, bringing a burst of zesty lemon and a satisfying crunch to your cookie jar. Imagine the moment when you crack through the crispy caramelized sugar top to reveal a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie filled with rich lemon curd. Perfect for special occasions or a simple treat to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon curd
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth and depth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, combining until just mixed to ensure a tender cookie.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is vital for controlling the spread of the cookies during baking.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between each cookie for them to spread.
- Make a small well in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon, and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of luscious lemon curd.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, filling your home with a tantalizing scent.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, which helps them firm up.
- After cooling, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the lemon curd on top of each cookie.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully brûlée the sugar until it caramelizes, creating a beautiful, crispy layer over each cookie.
- Let the cookies cool again for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of textures.
Notes or Tips
For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming. You can also make these cookies ahead of time; just store them in an airtight container. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the cookies under a broiler for a short time, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Cooking Techniques
Proper creaming of butter and sugars is essential for a light and tender cookie. The chilling step allows the dough to firm up, resulting in less spreading. When brûléeing the sugar, keep the torch moving to achieve an even caramelization without burning.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought lemon curd? Absolutely! Using store-bought lemon curd can save you time and still yield delicious cookies.
How should I store leftover cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but it’s best to add the sugar topping just before serving to ensure the crunch stays intact.
Conclusion
These Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies are not just treats; they are a celebration of flavors and textures! Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or indulging yourself on a quiet afternoon, they bring a refreshing brightness that’s hard to resist. Enjoy the delightful experience of baking, and I hope these cookies become a cherished favorite in your home as they have in mine!