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Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 625 reviews

Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies combine the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon curd with a buttery, tender cookie base topped by a crisp caramelized sugar crust, reminiscent of classic crème brûlée. These cookies offer a unique and elegant dessert perfect for tea time, special occasions, or a delightful sweet treat that impresses with each bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Curd:

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 23 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions

  1. Make the Lemon Curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Place over medium heat and add cubed butter. Stir constantly and cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set.
  2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  3. Bake the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart. Use thumb to create a small indentation in center of each cookie. Spoon a small amount of lemon curd into each indentation. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Caramelize the Sugar: Once cookies are fully cooled, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, place cookies under a broiler for a few seconds while watching closely to prevent burning.
  5. Serve: Allow caramelized sugar to harden for a minute before serving. Enjoy these delicious Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.

Notes

  • Make lemon curd a day ahead for convenience; store covered in refrigerator.
  • Cookies can be frozen before caramelizing; caramelize sugar after thawing.
  • Use fresh lemons for best flavor in lemon curd.
  • Watch carefully when caramelizing sugar under broiler to avoid burning.
  • For a unique twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the lemon curd.
  • Different citrus fruit like lime or orange can be substituted for lemon.
  • Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; caramelized crust may lose crispness over time.

Keywords: Lemon Curd Cookies, Crème Brûlée Cookies, Lemon Dessert, Baked Cookies, Caramelized Sugar Cookies, Lemon Treats, Tea Time Cookies