Ingredients
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 2–3 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
Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd
• Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
• Cook: Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the cubed butter. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 10 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
• Strain: Remove from heat and strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
• Fill with Lemon Curd: Spoon a small amount of lemon curd into the indentation of each cookie.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar
• Prepare for Caramelizing: Once the cookies are completely cool, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each cookie.
• Caramelize: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cookies under a broiler for a few seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve
• Cool and Enjoy: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Curd Crème Brûlée Cookies!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15