These Lemon Curd Cookies are tender, golden shortbread-like cookies with a bright, tangy surprise: a dollop of homemade or store-bought lemon curd nestled in the center. With just 6 simple ingredients, they’re soft, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor—perfect with tea, as a gift, or for satisfying a sweet craving in under an hour.
No chilling, no fancy tools—just mix, scoop, and bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍋 Only 6 ingredients—pantry staples!
- ⏱️ 15 minutes prep, 12–14 minutes bake
- 💛 Naturally nut-free & easily gluten-free
- 💸 Costs under $6—makes 18–20 cookies
- 🌾 No mixer needed—just one bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 18–20 cookies)
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 230g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk (save white for sealing!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: Extra sugar for rolling, lemon zest for brightness
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use room-temperature butter—creams smoothly.
- Don’t overmix dough—keeps cookies tender.
- Chill filled cookies 10 minutes before baking—prevents curd from leaking.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Soft, Zesty, Foolproof)
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, beat butter and sugar until light (~2 mins).
- Mix in egg yolk and vanilla.
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined (dough will be soft).
2. Fill the Cookies

