Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe – Buttery, Tangy & Easy Lemon Dessert

I love a good easy lemon dessert, and these cookies check all the boxes. They’re simple, they come together fast, and they make your house smell amazing. If you’re looking for things to do with lemons that aren’t just throwing them in water and pretending you’re suddenly healthier, this is it. These cookies are right up there with lemon lush dessert, lemon bars, and all those other delicious lemon desserts that just hit the spot—especially in the summer.

So if you need lemon dessert recipes easy enough to whip up while the kids are outside destroying the backyard, or just some recipes to use up lemons before they turn into sad little rocks in the fruit drawer, this is for you. Let’s make some lemon treats that’ll disappear in no time.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Curd

• 3 large egg yolks (save the whites for an omelet or, you know, let them sit in your fridge until you forget about them)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tsp lemon zest (this is what gives it zing)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit out for a bit, don’t microwave it)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

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Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Looks weird at first, but trust the process.
2. Place over low heat and stir constantly (seriously, don’t walk away unless you enjoy scrambled eggs in your curd). It’ll take about 5-7 minutes to thicken.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, one piece at a time, until it’s smooth and dreamy.
4. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve if you want it extra silky (highly recommend).
5. Set it aside to cool while we get these cookies going.

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Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, just lightly grease the pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until it’s fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer, or 5 minutes if you’re doing it by hand and need an arm workout.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Slowly add in the flour and salt, stirring until it forms a soft dough. If it looks crumbly, keep mixing—it’ll come together, I promise.

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Step 3: Shape & Bake

1. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
2. Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to press a little indent into the center of each cookie. This is where the lemon curd will sit.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just slightly golden.
4. If the indents puff up too much while baking, press them down again while the cookies are still warm.

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Step 4: Fill Up

1. Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, spoon about a teaspoon of lemon curd into the center of each one. Try not to eat the curd straight from the spoon (or do, I won’t judge).
2. If you want to be fancy, dust a little powdered sugar on top.
3. Let them set for a bit…or don’t. I won’t lie, they taste pretty amazing when they’re still warm.

Meal Prep Tips for Lemon Curd Cookies

If you love planning ahead (or you’re just trying to stay one step ahead of your hungry crew), these meal prep tips will make your lemon curd cookies last longer and taste bakery-fresh.

• Bake in batches: Double the recipe and bake all at once. You can store extra cookies for quick grab-and-go treats during the week.
• Keep lemon curd separate: If prepping ahead, store the baked cookies and lemon curd separately. Fill them just before serving to keep the texture perfect.
• Use airtight containers: Store cookies in a glass or BPA-free plastic container with tight lids to prevent moisture and fridge smells from sneaking in.
• Layer with parchment paper: If stacking cookies, place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Chill before packing: Let cookies cool completely before sealing them. Warm cookies create condensation, which leads to soggy bottoms (and nobody wants that).
• Label & date: Add a small label with the date—they’ll stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.

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Storage Tips for Lemon Curd Cookies

Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead for a party, these storage hacks will keep your lemon treats fresh, soft, and delicious.

• Short-term storage: Keep filled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
• Room temperature (unfilled only): Unfilled cookies can be stored in a sealed container at room temp for 2–3 days.
• Freezing dough: Freeze raw cookie dough balls (before baking) on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Freezing baked cookies: You can freeze baked, unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before filling with lemon curd.
• Avoid freezing filled cookies: The curd can separate or get watery after thawing, so it’s best added fresh.
• Refresh before serving: For that just-baked feel, pop cookies in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 2–3 minutes before adding the lemon curd.

FAQs About Lemon Curd Cookies

Lemon Curd Cookies Recipe Card

And just like that, you’ve got yourself one of the best lemon desserts you will ever make. These lemon treats are soft, buttery, and packed with that bright, tangy lemon flavor that makes every bite feel like sunshine. If you’ve been wondering what to make with lemons, this is it.

I love how easy these are—right up there with other easy lemon desserts like lemon lush dessert or lemon bars. Whether you need a quick sweet fix, a way to use up those extra lemons sitting on your counter, or just a fun baking project, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s one of those lemon desserts with fresh lemons that feels fancy but is actually super simple.

And let’s be honest, if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for easy dessert recipes that the whole family will eat without complaints. These cookies? Total win. Even the picky eater in my house couldn’t resist.

So the next time you find yourself searching for things to do with lemons, or scrolling for lemon dessert recipes easy, save this one. It’s a go-to for summer, spring, or honestly any time you need a little sweet, citrusy happiness.