Stuffed Lemon Cookies

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Introduction:

Experience a burst of citrusy goodness with our irresistible Stuffed Lemon Cookies recipe. These delightful treats feature a soft and buttery lemon-infused cookie dough, filled with a luscious lemon cream cheese filling that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence for dessert or looking for the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea, these Stuffed Lemon Cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create these zesty delights and discover why they’re a must-have addition to any cookie lover’s repertoire.

Ingredients:

Lemon Curd Filling:

  • 55 grams caster sugar
  • 4 grams cornstarch
  • 1 egg
  • 45 grams fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon peel from approximately 1/4 lemon
  • 22 grams unsalted butter

Lemon Cookie Dough:

  • 110 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 110 grams caster sugar
  • Lemon zest from 3/4 of a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
  • 1 egg
  • 200 grams all-purpose flour
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Granulated white sugar for coating

Directions:

  1. Lemon Curd Filling Preparation:
  2. In a medium-sized, heatproof bowl, mix caster sugar with cornstarch.
  3. Whisk in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon peel.
  4. Set over a bain-marie, stirring often, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Stir constantly for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, add butter, and mix to cool rapidly. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Can be made a day ahead.
  6. Portion chilled curd into 10 scoops on a tray and freeze until solid.
  7. Lemon Cookie Dough Preparation:
  8. Cream butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  9. Mix in the egg.
  10. Sift in flour, salt, and baking soda; fold gently until it forms a dough.
  11. Chill dough for 20 minutes. Flatten each dough portion, place a scoop of frozen curd in the center, and seal.
  12. Roll in granulated sugar and space on a lined tray.
  13. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-9 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on the tray.
  14. Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
  15. Kcal: 150 per cookie | Servings: 10 cookies

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, allow Stuffed Lemon Cookies to come to room temperature before serving. This allows the filling to soften slightly and the flavors to fully develop, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.
  2. Garnish with Lemon Zest: Before serving, garnish the cookies with a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest for a decorative touch and an extra burst of citrus aroma. This adds visual appeal and enhances the lemon flavor of the cookies.
  3. Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Serve Stuffed Lemon Cookies with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a citrus-infused cocktail for a refreshing and harmonious pairing that complements the zesty flavor of the cookies.
  4. Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange Stuffed Lemon Cookies on a serving platter alongside other citrus-themed desserts such as lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, or citrus shortbread for a stunning dessert spread that’s sure to impress.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature: Store Stuffed Lemon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together.
  2. Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture or if the ambient temperature is warm, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  3. Freezing: Stuffed Lemon Cookies can be frozen for longer storage. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  4. Thawing Frozen Cookies: When thawing frozen Stuffed Lemon Cookies, allow them to come to room temperature on the counter for 1-2 hours before serving. This helps to retain their texture and flavor without compromising their quality.

FAQs:

  1. Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice? While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor in Stuffed Lemon Cookies, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available. However, keep in mind that bottled lemon juice may have a slightly different flavor profile and may contain preservatives, so adjust the quantity according to taste.
  2. Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough with the Filling Inside? It’s not recommended to freeze the cookie dough with the filling already inside, as the texture and consistency of the filling may change upon freezing and thawing. It’s best to freeze the cookie dough without the filling, then add the filling before baking for the freshest results.
  3. Can I Use Different Flavors for the Filling? While the lemon cream cheese filling is a classic choice for Stuffed Lemon Cookies, you can experiment with different flavors to suit your taste preferences. Consider using a raspberry or blueberry filling for a fruity twist, or a white chocolate filling for a creamy alternative.
  4. Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much During Baking? If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to several factors, including using warm or softened butter, not chilling the dough sufficiently before baking, or baking on a warm baking sheet. To prevent excessive spreading, ensure that the dough is properly chilled and the baking sheet is cool before adding the cookies.
  5. Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time for a Special Occasion? Yes, Stuffed Lemon Cookies can be made ahead of time for special occasions. You can prepare the cookie dough and filling in advance, then assemble and bake the cookies closer to the time of serving. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Lemon Cookies are a delightful combination of zesty lemon flavor, creamy filling, and buttery cookie goodness that’s sure to brighten any day. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, shared with loved ones, or given as homemade gifts, these cookies are a true testament to the joys of baking from scratch. With their irresistible flavor and homemade charm, Stuffed Lemon Cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in the citrusy delight of these homemade treats.

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