Zesty Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Creamy desserts meet zesty delight in these tangy lemon curd creme brulee cookies that dance between crisp and silky textures.

Delicate cookie edges crackle with caramelized sugar while a luscious lemon curd center promises bright, unexpected flavor.

Classic French techniques merge with playful American baking in this unique sweet treat.

The contrast of crunch and smooth filling creates an irresistible sensory experience.

Buttery shortbread provides the perfect canvas for the citrusy punch of homemade lemon curd.

Each bite delivers a sophisticated balance of richness and tartness that will transport you to a Parisian patisserie.

You’ll want to savor every decadent morsel of these extraordinary cookies.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

What Ingredients You’ll Need For Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine, powdery base that gives tender structure and delicate crumb to cookies.
• Baking Powder: Magical rising agent that helps cookies achieve perfect light and airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cookie dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that provides smooth texture and deep flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet crystalline ingredient that creates golden, crisp cookie edges.
• Egg: Binding agent that holds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that brings warm, comforting undertones.

• Lemon Curd: Tangy, bright citrus spread that adds zesty punch and creamy contrast.
• Granulated Sugar (for caramelizing): Transforms into golden, crackling top layer with beautiful glassy finish.

Tools To Grab For Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking Sheet: Used for baking cookie dough.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Kitchen Torch or Broiler: Needed to caramelize sugar topping.
• Thumb or Spoon: Creates indentations in cookie dough.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients.

Bake Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies Easily

• Prepare Cookie Base

Mix softened butter and sugar until creamy and light. Gently fold in egg and vanilla, blending smoothly. Combine dry ingredients separately, then slowly incorporate into wet mixture to create tender dough.

• Shape Delicate Treats

Form small round balls, placing them carefully on parchment-lined baking sheet. Press gentle indentations into cookie centers using thumb or spoon. Bake until edges turn delicate golden color.

• Create Tangy Filling

Allow cookies to cool slightly. Generously dollop lemon curd into each cookie’s center, ensuring even distribution of bright, zesty filling.

• Torch Sugary Topping

Sprinkle fine layer of granulated sugar across lemon curd surface. Use kitchen torch to transform sugar into crispy, caramelized glaze. Alternative method: Briefly place under broiler, watching intently to prevent burning.

Tips To Change Up Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies

• Smart Baking Tricks: Create Perfect Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies
• Chill Dough Magic: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp edges during baking.
• Thumb Technique: Use the back of a rounded teaspoon for creating consistent, smooth indentations that hold more lemon curd evenly.
• No-Torch Alternative: If you don't have a kitchen torch, carefully use your oven's broiler, keeping cookies 3-4 inches from heat source and watching continuously to prevent burning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cookie dough and lemon curd separately up to 3 days in advance, storing in refrigerator to streamline your baking process and save time.

Fun Ways To Serve Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies

• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Serve these delightful cookies alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or champagne for a sophisticated touch.
• Sweet Tea Party Centerpiece: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful tiered serving platter with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for a visually stunning presentation.
• Brunch Showstopper: Create a dessert spread by placing these cookies next to light yogurt parfaits or alongside fresh berries for a balanced and elegant brunch offering.
• Gifting Delight: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a delicate ribbon, perfect as a homemade gift for friends or as a charming hostess present.

Storing Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate caramelized sugar crust.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking. This technique enhances flavor development and creates a more complex taste profile. Let dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Freezing Friendly: Unbaked cookie dough balls can be frozen for 3 months. Place on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Smart Sugar Topping: Keep caramelized sugar crisp by adding sugar just before serving. If preparing in advance, store lemon curd-filled cookies separately and torch sugar moments before enjoying to maintain that perfect crackable texture.

Tangy Lemon Curd Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic lemon curd crème brûlée cookies blend French pastry techniques with zesty citrus delights. Creamy custard notes and caramelized sugar layers create an irresistible dessert experience you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in egg and vanilla extract to create a smooth, uniform base.
2. Dough Formation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the wet mixture to develop a soft, malleable dough.
3. Shaping and Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Mold dough into small spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a central indentation using your thumb or a spoon’s curved edge.
4. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool slightly, preparing them for filling.
5. Filling and Finishing: Carefully place a precise amount of lemon curd into each cookie’s center, ensuring complete coverage. Dust with a light layer of granulated sugar.
6. Caramelization: Use a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a crisp, amber crust. If a torch is unavailable, carefully broil for approximately one minute, watching intently to prevent burning.

Notes

• Prevent Dough Crumbling: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to enhance texture and prevent cookies from falling apart during handling.
• Achieve Precise Thumb Indentation: Use the back of a rounded measuring spoon for consistent, symmetrical centers without applying excessive pressure that might crack the dough.
• Control Lemon Curd Consistency: Ensure lemon curd is slightly cooled and thickened before filling to prevent soaking into the cookie base and maintain structural integrity.
• Master Sugar Caramelization Technique: Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches from surface, move continuously in circular motion to create even, golden-brown caramel crust without burning the delicate sugar layer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg