These lemon cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. The custard-filled center adds a delightful surprise that elevates these cookies into a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 egg yolk
- 30g cornstarch
- 70g sugar
- 40g butter
- 10ml lemon juice
- 300ml milk
- 5g vanilla sugar
For the Cookie Dough:
- 100g butter, softened
- 150g sugar
- 50ml milk
- 1 egg
- 280g flour
- 7g baking powder
- 10g vanilla sugar
- Pinch of salt and turmeric (optional for color)
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 50ml lemon juice
- 20ml water
- 10g sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lemon Custard:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, cornstarch, and 70g of sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar until fully incorporated.
- Pour the custard into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (press the wrap directly onto the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 150g sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 50ml of milk.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt (and turmeric if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Take a small portion of the dough (about a tablespoon), flatten it into a small disc, and place a dollop of the chilled custard in the center.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the custard and roll into a ball. Repeat this process with the rest of the dough and custard.
- Place the prepared cookie dough balls on the lined baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but still soft.
4. Lemon Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine 20ml water, 10g sugar, and 50ml lemon juice. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves to create a glaze.
- Once the cookies have cooled slightly, brush them with the lemon glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Serve:
- Let the cookies cool down entirely before you serve them. Their soft, buttery texture combined with the tangy lemon custard makes them melt in your mouth with every bite.
Conclusion:
These lemon cookies are everything a citrus lover could ask for: soft, bursting with lemon flavor, and with a surprise custard filling that makes them extra special. Enjoy them as a refreshing treat with tea or coffee, and watch how quickly they disappear! 🍋🍪