Description
Easy Lemon Curd Brûlée Cookies combine a buttery, tender cookie base with a tangy, creamy lemon curd filling and a crisp, caramelized brûlée sugar topping. Perfectly balanced with citrus brightness and a delightful texture contrast, these cookies are quick to prepare, ideal for any occasion, and a must-try for lemon lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for brûlée topping)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- About ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, folding gently to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into small, evenly sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with your palm, then refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape and improve texture during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the chilled cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the curd.
- Add Lemon Curd Filling: Carefully create a small well or indentation in the center of each cooled cookie, using the back of a spoon or your fingertip. Spoon a generous dollop of lemon curd into the well, ensuring it doesn’t overflow the edges.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the lemon curd on each cookie. Using a kitchen handheld torch, gently caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, briefly broil the cookies in your oven, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Chill the dough well to help the cookies keep their shape and prevent spreading.
- Use high-quality lemon curd for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Apply a light, even sugar layer to create the signature brûlée crack without overpowering the filling.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and slightly chewy at the edges.
- When using the torch, keep the flame moving steadily to avoid melting the curd or burning the sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon curd, brûlée cookies, citrus dessert, tart cookies, caramelized sugar topping, easy lemon dessert