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Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 96 reviews

These Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of classic crème brûlée with the bright zestiness of lemon curd, all atop a buttery, tender cookie base. Finished with a caramelized sugar topping, these cookies deliver a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, perfect for a special dessert or elegant treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1/4 cup lemon curd
  • Extra granulated sugar for topping, about 1 tablespoon per cookie

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, uniform batter.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
  5. Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding by hand until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
  6. Scoop the dough onto baking sheets: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
  7. Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
  8. Cool completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool fully. This prevents breakage when handling the delicate cookies.
  9. Add lemon curd topping: Once fully cooled, place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of lemon curd on the center of each cookie.
  10. Sprinkle sugar and caramelize: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the lemon curd on each cookie. Using a kitchen torch or the oven broiler, caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a golden, crisp brûlée crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should remain soft in the center.
  • Use a small, controlled flame when torching the sugar to prevent melting the lemon curd underneath.
  • Lemon curd can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add lemon curd and caramelize sugar just before serving for best texture.

Keywords: Lemon Curd Cookies, Crème Brûlée Cookies, Lemon Dessert Cookies, Caramelized Sugar Cookies, Baked Cookies with Lemon