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    Home

    Lemon Curd Cookies

    May 26, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    243 shares
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    Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe from Scratch -- So Simple! | Chenée Today

    Last Updated on May 17, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    This easy lemon curd cookies recipe is always so fun to make and eat! They’re shortbread cookies with lemon curd that we’ll make homemade, or you can use store-bought and it’s just as good! If you like these lemon curd thumbprint cookies, you’ll love my Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake, my Lemon Dump Cake, and my Lemon Poppyseed Scones!

    Overhead view of lemon curd cookies on parchment paper
    Lemon Curd Cookies

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Easy Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe

    Thumbprint cookies are so fun! I love making my peanut butter and jelly thumbprint cookies for a yummy nostalgic treat, and my cinnamon-dusted salted caramel thumbprint cookies are always a huge hit! But I have a soft spot for lemon goodies, so these lemon curd cookies may be my new favorites! They're buttery lemon shortbread cookies filled with rich, tart lemon curd, and they're SO easy to make! Best of all, you can feel free to use either homemade lemon curd or save time with store-bought lemon curd!

    One lemon curd cookie seen from above
    Easy Lemon Curd Cookies

    What can be made from lemon curd?

    The recipe for the homemade lemon curd for these cookies comes from my lemon coconut layer cake, which can be found in my Sweet Summertime cookbook! Making that cake was a useful reminder that there are SO many delicious uses for your leftover lemon curd once you're done making this recipe! My favorite is to use the lemon curd as an ice cream topping! Just spoon it over some creamy vanilla ice cream and enjoy the contrast of the sweet and tart flavors. I also love lemon curd as a topping on pastries, toast, biscuits, crepes pancakes, yogurt, and other breakfast goodies.

    Lemon curd is also perfect as a dessert filling or topping. Think cheesecake, layer cake, cupcakes, or tarts. And of course, these lemon curd cookies are always a good idea!

    Is lemon curd the same as lemon custard?

    Not quite, although they do have some similar ingredients. Lemon curd is made with lemon juice, butter, sugar, and eggs. Lemon custard, on the other hand, often adds cornstarch, milk or cream, or flour to those ingredients to achieve a thicker, creamier consistency.

    Ingredients

    • all-purpose flour - because these cookies have a shortbread base, it's important to measure your flour correctly. I recommend measuring flour by weight using a kitchen scale. If you measure with a measuring cup, you could end up with too much flour depending on how it's packed in the cup, and that can make your cookies more crumbly and harder to form into dough.
    • lemon zest - use a microplane grater to remove the outer peel of the lemon to add a brighter lemon flavor to these cookies. I prefer to use organic lemons when I'm zesting them, since the coating added to conventional lemons can inhibit the lemon flavor.
    • salted butter - your butter should be cold and cut into cubes. I like to cut it into cubes, then place it back in the fridge or freezer to chill again before using. If you prefer to use unsalted butter, just add ½ teaspoon of salt in with your dry ingredients.
    • vanilla extract -  be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • powdered sugar - sift your powdered sugar before measuring, or use a kitchen scale to measure out 115 grams by weight.
    • lemon curd - I include a recipe below for a delicious homemade lemon curd, but you can also use your favorite store-bought lemon curd to save time making this recipe!
    • turbinado sugar - we'll be using turbinado sugar to add a sweet crunch to the top of our cookies! If you don't have any turbinado sugar, feel free to use white sparkling sugar or just omit it altogether.
    lemon curd cookies scattered on parchment paper
    Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Curd

    Equipment

    This is a pretty simple recipe for shortbread cookies with lemon curd, so you'll mostly need basic cookie tools -- a large baking sheet and liner, and an electric mixer. You'll also want to grab a microplane grater to zest your lemon, and a wooden spoon or other tool to press out the "thumbprint." I like to use a wine cork!

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    Does lemon curd keep?

    Your lemon curd should last up to a week, refrigerated in an airtight container. You'll definitely have some left over, so see above for some ideas for what to do with your extra lemon curd!

    Do you refrigerate lemon curd after opening?

    Definitely! Whether you use homemade or store-bought lemon curd for these cookies, you should keep it refrigerated in an airtight container afterwards.

    Does baked lemon curd need to be refrigerated?

    Yes, you should keep these lemon curd thumbprint cookies in the refrigerator -- they should be fresh for up to 4 days. If you like, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months - just be careful when freezing to not stack to the cookies to avoid the lemon curd sticking to everything.closeup of lemon curd cookies

    Why is my lemon curd not thickening?

    You may not have heated it enough to set the eggs -- I'd recommend using a thermometer to make sure the temperature hits between 160-185°F. Also, keep in mind that your lemon curd will thicken as it cools, so if you're unsure if it's thick enough, let it cool to room temperature. If it's still too thin, you can reheat it, stirring constantly, to reach the appropriate temperature.

    Why did my lemon curd go grainy?

    This may be the result of cooking it at too high a temperature. You should aim to heat to at least 160°F, but no higher than 185°F.

    How do I store these lemon curd cookies?

    These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week if kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen, well wrapped, for up to 3 months.

    Why is my dough crumbly and hard to work with?

    You may have too much flour in your dough. I recommend measuring flour by weight using a kitchen scale. If you measure with a measuring cup, you could end up with too much flour depending on how it's packed in the cup, and that can make your cookies more crumbly and harder to form into dough. Measuring by weight ensures the amount of flour added is exactly what you need for the recipe. If you really can't get your hands on a kitchen scale, definitely measure using the spoon-and-level method.

    More Lemon Recipes You'll Love

    • Lemon and Blackberry Cake
    • Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest
    • Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Pistachio
    • Lemon Icebox Pie
    • Lemon Lavender Cupcakes
    Overhead view of lemon curd cookies on parchment paper

    Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe - Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Curd Filling!

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    This easy lemon curd cookies recipe is always so fun to make and eat! They’re shortbread cookies with lemon curd that is homemade or store-bought!! I know you'll love these lemon curd thumbprint cookies!
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 14 minutes
    Total Time: 39 minutes
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 24 cookies
    Calories: 151kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • microplane grater/zester
    • ¾ sheet baking pan
    • silicone baking mat
    • hand mixer
    • stand mixer
    • mixing bowls
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 2 ¼ cups (288 g) all-purpose flour - measured by weight with a kitchen scale or with the spoon-and-level method
    • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon zest - packed
    • 1 cup (227 g) salted butter - room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup (115 g) powdered sugar - measured by weight with a kitchen scale or with the spoon-and-level method
    • ½ cup (113 g) lemon curd - store-bought or homemade (recipe follows)
    • turbinado sugar - for sprinkling

    Lemon Curd

    • 4 large lemons - zested and juiced
    • 4 large eggs - beaten
    • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
    • 6 tablespoon (89 ml) salted butter - cubed

    Instructions

    • To make lemon curd, heat zest, juice, sugar, and eggs in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly.
      4 large lemons, 4 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar
    • Reduce heat to low and continue to cook mixture, whisking constantly, about 10 minutes or until thickened.
    • Remove from heat and add chunks of butter gradually, continuing to whisk as butter slowly melts.
      6 tablespoon salted butter
    • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and place in a bowl to cover and let cool. Chill at least one hour or overnight before using for cookies.
    • To make lemon curd cookies, place powdered sugar and lemon zest in a mixing bowl and press with a wooden spoon to release lemon oils.
      1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • Add softened butter and cream together about 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
      1 cup salted butter, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Gradually add flour and mix just until dough comes together. Chill dough in fridge for an hour.
      2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
    • Scoop out one-inch dough balls and place 2 inches apart on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Chill any extra dough for the next batch.
    • Use your thumb, the end of a wooden spoon, or a wine cork to press a shallow indentation into the middle of each cookie. Fill each indent with about ½ teaspoon chilled lemon curd. If desired, sprinkle each cookie with raw sugar.
      ½ cup lemon curd, turbinado sugar
    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place baking sheet in freezer to chill for at least 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 13 minutes, or until bottoms of cookies are lightly golden brown. Let cool on pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Video

    Notes

    Salted butter: I typically use salted butter in baking, but you can use unsalted butter in this recipe — just add ½ teaspoon of salt in with the dry ingredients for the cookies and ¼ into the lemon curd.
    Softening Butter Quickly: To soften your butter, place the stick of butter on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 4 seconds. Turn so another side of the stick of butter is facing up and heat for another 4 seconds. Repeat for a total of 16 seconds.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cookie | Sodium: 71 mg | Calcium: 4 mg | Sugar: 6 g | Fiber: 0.3 g | Potassium: 15 mg | Cholesterol: 37 mg | Calories: 151 kcal | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Fat: 10 g | Protein: 1.6 g | Carbohydrates: 15.3 g | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: Easy lemon curd cookies, lemon curd cookies, lemon curd cookies recipe, lemon curd cookies recipes, lemon curd shortbread cookies, Lemon curd thumbprint cookies, Shortbread cookies with lemon curd, thumbprint lemon curd cookies
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

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    Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe from Scratch -- So Simple! | Chenée Today
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    243 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Grace

      May 06, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      In step 6, you mention adding the cream ("Add softened butter and cream"), but I don't see any cream referenced in the above steps or in the ingredient list. Is the cream just the powdered sugar & lemon zest combination from step 5?

      Can't wait to make these!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        May 17, 2022 at 1:54 am

        Sorry for the confusion! I was referring to the creaming method of mixing sugar and butter. You're right there's no cream added -- in that step, you'll need to add the butter to the powdered sugar and lemon zest mixture and mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until they're combined and fluffy. Hope you enjoy the cookies!

        Reply
    2. Judy

      April 02, 2022 at 10:58 pm

      First time making a thumbprint cookie and loved it but the middle was a little soggy. What can I do to prevent this?

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 03, 2022 at 12:32 am

        Hi! I would just add another minute or two to the baking time 🙂

        Reply
    3. Debbie

      March 28, 2022 at 7:19 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! Can the finished cookies be frozen?

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 31, 2022 at 8:23 pm

        Yes they can! I would layer them between wax paper or parchment in an airtight container.

        Reply
    4. Robin

      December 21, 2021 at 11:54 am

      2 stars
      Meh - this dough was too crumbly to use until I sprinkled a little water on it. Then, I had more success when I made flattened discs instead of round balls. As it was, I only got about 5 perfect looking cookies from a double batch. I will try a different recipe next time or use a jam thumbprint recipe which uses an egg white wash.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        December 21, 2021 at 11:27 pm

        Hi Robin! If your dough was too crumbly you may have added too much flour -- I'd suggest measuring your flour by weight or using the spoon-and-level method to ensure that you don't add too much into the dough. Hope you have better results next time!

        Reply
    5. Crystal DaCruz

      June 23, 2021 at 10:40 am

      5 stars
      I also love lemon and I've been looking for a recipe to make homemade lemon curd! These cookies were so easy to make and I loved that I could include my kids in the process, They came out delicious!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 30, 2021 at 1:52 pm

        So glad that you all enjoyed! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jazz

      June 23, 2021 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      These cookies are the perfect size to enjoy with tea and the lemon flavor comes through beautifully.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 30, 2021 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    7. Jen Sim

      June 23, 2021 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      I love lemon flavored cookies and desserts and these cookies didn’t disappoint. I didn’t need as many ingredients as I thought and your recipe was so easy to follow. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 04, 2021 at 10:06 pm

        I'm so glad you liked them!

        Reply
    8. Lilly

      June 22, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for the instructions on how to make lemon curd. It was actually a lot easier to make than I thought it would be! And the cookies are absolutely delish! Thanks for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 22, 2021 at 7:17 pm

        I'm so glad they worked out for you! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Tamara

      June 22, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      I am so happy I found this recipe on Pinterest! My husband was asking me to make him some cookies for his birthday, and lemon is his favorite! They turned out so beautiful, and were absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 27, 2021 at 3:16 pm

        Awesome! I'm glad they were a great treat for your husband!

        Reply
    10. Britney Brown

      June 22, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      I was so shocked at how easy this recipe was because I thought that making the curd would be difficult! It was so delicious, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit!!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:56 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    11. Jessica Lawson

      June 22, 2021 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      I brought these to a Juneteenth bbq over the weekend and they were a big hit! I never made lemon curd before and these were surprisingly easy. Loved it!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 27, 2021 at 3:16 pm

        I'm so glad everyone enjoyed them!! Thanks!

        Reply
      • Ashlynn

        May 07, 2022 at 9:50 pm

        3 stars
        I followed all the directions exactly! I don’t know what went wrong but the dough was crumbly and all the cookies and curd broke and spilled out. Very sad.

        Reply
        • Chenée Lewis

          June 03, 2022 at 11:51 am

          It sounds like your dough had too much flour -- I would definitely recommend measuring your flour by weight with a kitchen scale for the best accuracy -- or see my post about measuring dry ingredients for tips. Hope it works out better for you next time! 🙂

          Reply
    12. Robin

      June 22, 2021 at 1:07 am

      5 stars
      Shortbread cookies have always been one of my favorites but combining them with lemon curd was genius! I like the curd on biscuits too.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 30, 2021 at 1:53 pm

        Yes! I love having lemon curd in the fridge.

        Reply
    13. Karla Harmer

      June 21, 2021 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      Anything lemon is always going to be a winner with my family, and these lemon curd cookies did not disappoint. I decided to make the curd from scratch because we had all of the ingredients and I did not want to wait to make them. They were very easy to make and the recipe for both the cookies and the curd were great! The cookies were good on their own too, I may or may not have tried a couple or three.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:56 pm

        I'm so happy that you liked them! They're a favorite of mine for sure.

        Reply
    14. Carita

      June 20, 2021 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      As always, I absolutely love your recipes! My Mom is a lover of lemon flavored desserts and we had so much fun creating these cookies! The recipe was easy to follow and the lemon curd was AH-MAZING !

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 23, 2021 at 1:21 am

        So glad you and your mom enjoyed them! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Crystal

      June 20, 2021 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      These were so fun to make, and even more fun to eat!!! I love all desserts with lemon and I'll definitely be making these again!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:55 pm

        I'm a major lemon lover too!!

        Reply
    16. Taneisha

      June 19, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      Just like so many of your other recipes, these recipe was a hit!! I've never worked with lemon curd before so I was nervous, but the recipe turned out perfect!! THANKS SO MUCH!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 30, 2021 at 1:53 pm

        Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    17. Marta

      June 16, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Lemon curd recipes have no limits and you just added another one to the list. Sweet cookies with tart lemon in every bite. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:54 pm

        Thank you! Glad you liked them!!

        Reply

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    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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