Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
These Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies offer a delightful blend of tangy lemon curd and a crisp caramelized sugar topping, reminiscent of the classic crème brûlée dessert. Soft, chewy cookies with a luscious lemon center and a crunchy brûléed top make for an irresistible treat perfect for lemon lovers.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert,Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Filling and Topping
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Optional Substitutions
- Gluten-free flour can substitute for all-purpose flour for gluten-sensitive diets.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough for a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the lemon flavor is evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten them. Press your thumb or a spoon into the center of each to create a small well.
- Add Lemon Curd: Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of lemon curd, which will provide a tangy and creamy surprise in every bite.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, making sure not to overbake so the centers stay soft and chewy.
- Sugar Topping: Remove cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Caramelize Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top of each cookie until it forms a golden, crisp crust reminiscent of crème brûlée. Allow the cookies to cool slightly so the topping hardens.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the dough to maintain soft, tender cookies.
- Keep an eye during baking to prevent the cookies from becoming too hard or overcooked.
- A kitchen torch is essential for caramelizing the sugar on top; alternatively, you could use the broiler carefully, but watch closely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
- For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, expect some texture changes but delicious flavor remains.
Keywords: lemon curd cookies, crème brûlée cookies, lemon dessert, baked cookies, caramelized sugar topping, lemon zest cookies