Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Large egg: 1
- alcohol-free vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon Curd (store-bought or pre-made): 1/2 cup
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla powder until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until the dough just comes together.
- Step 2: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Use a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon or your thumb to gently press a deep well into the center of each cookie dough ball, ensuring the edges do not crack excessively.
- Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to move them.
- Step 5: Once completely cool, gently spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd into the indent of each cookie. Dust the finished cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store filled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, letting them come fully to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- For the most tender result, stop mixing the dough the moment the last streaks of flour disappear, as overmixing develops gluten and can make the cookie base tough.
- When creating the indent, use the back of a lightly floured 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon instead of your thumb to guarantee uniform size and depth for filling.
- If the finished cookies feel firm after refrigeration, warm them briefly in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 3 minutes to slightly soften the base and refresh the texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American