Cookies Filled with Lemon Cream are a burst of sunshine in every bite. These delicate cookies feature a sweet and buttery exterior that encases a zesty, tangy lemon cream filling. Whether you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your day or an elegant addition to your tea time, these cookies are the perfect choice. Let’s embark on a journey to create these sweet and citrusy delights.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the lemon zest and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until these fragrant ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, beating on low speed until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix; stop when the ingredients are combined.
- Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough become more workable.
Making the Lemon Cream Filling:
- While the cookie dough chills, prepare the lemon cream filling. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter. Continue to beat until you have a smooth and lemony cream. Taste it and adjust the lemon juice or zest if you desire a stronger citrus flavor.
Assembling the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled cookie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin and cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.
- For each cookie, you’ll need two identical pieces – one for the bottom and one for the top.
- Place half of your cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Spoon a small dollop of lemon cream filling onto the center of each bottom cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the cream can ooze out during baking.
- Gently place the matching top cookie over the cream-filled bottom to create a sandwich. Press the edges together with your fingers to seal the cookies.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be served. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, buttery cookie and zesty lemon cream filling!
Variations and Tips
- Lemon Glaze: If you prefer a different texture for the lemon element, consider making a lemon glaze instead of the cream filling. Mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to create a thin glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
- Zest Garnish: Sprinkle a touch of extra lemon zest on top of the cookies for a burst of color and added citrus aroma.
- Lemon Extract: If you’re out of fresh lemons, you can use lemon extract in both the cookie dough and the filling. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer storage.
- Make Ahead: Both the cookie dough and the lemon cream filling can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the cookies when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Cookies Filled with Lemon Cream are a delightful treat that balances the sweetness of the cookie with the zesty brightness of lemon. They are perfect for bringing a touch of sunshine to your tea time, a special occasion, or simply as a sweet escape on a regular day. With their delicate appearance and vibrant flavor, these cookies are bound to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful zing of Lemon Cream Cookies!
