Are you looking for a sweet treat that packs a punch of refreshing citrus flavor? Look no further than these delightful Stuffed Lemon Cookies, the perfect blend of tangy and sweet that can brighten up any day. Whether you’re planning a spring gathering, a summer picnic, or just want a zesty dessert to add some zest to your dessert menu, these lemon cookies are sure to impress. Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of these delectable treats that are sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the zest of 2 lemons.
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, blend together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of butter until smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually beat in 3 cups of powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take a small amount of cookie dough, roll it into a ball, and flatten it slightly into a disc shape.
- Place a teaspoon of the lemon cream cheese filling in the center of the disc, and then cover it with another piece of flattened dough. Seal the edges together gently.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!
- Place the stuffed cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Lemon Cookies:
- Lemon Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for zesting.
- Cookie Consistency: Be sure not to overmix the dough to keep your cookies light and tender.
- Filling: Keep the filling chilled until you are ready to assemble the cookies to prevent it from becoming too runny.
Conclusion:
Stuffed Lemon Cookies are a fabulous treat that combines the bold flavor of lemon with a rich, creamy filling, creating a delightful dessert that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear!
Keywords:
- Stuffed Lemon Cookies
- Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- Refreshing Citrus Flavor
- Sweet and Tangy
- Perfect Dessert Recipe
Serving and Storage Tips for Stuffed Lemon Cookies
Serving Suggestions:
Stuffed Lemon Cookies are best enjoyed when they are fresh and at room temperature. For a charming presentation, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar right before serving. These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. If you’re looking to dress them up for a special occasion, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for added elegance.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure your cookies are completely cooled to prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to soggy cookies.
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically last well for up to 3 days. For best texture, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigerating Your Cookies: If you prefer to keep your cookies for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container. The cool environment will keep them fresh for up to a week. Just remember to bring the cookies to room temperature before serving to ensure they taste as good as they did when first baked.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Stuffed Lemon Cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place the completely cooled cookies on a baking sheet, not touching, and freeze them uncovered for about an hour. Once hardened, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Stuffed Lemon Cookies remain delicious and fresh, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes. Whether freshly baked or saved for later, these cookies offer a delightful burst of lemony goodness that is hard to resist.
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice for the cookies?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for its bright, authentic flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Keep in mind that bottled lemon juice may contain preservatives and additives that can slightly alter the taste of your cookies. For the best results, especially for the lemon zest required in the recipe, fresh lemons are preferable.
2. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?
To prevent the lemon cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking, ensure that the edges of your cookie dough are well sealed. Pinch the edges together firmly and smooth out any gaps or seams. Additionally, avoid overfilling the cookies. A small teaspoon of filling is usually sufficient to get the perfect balance of dough and filling.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to mix the gluten-free flour well to prevent any grittiness, and check the dough consistency, as you might need to adjust the moisture level slightly.
4. What other variations can I try with this recipe?
These stuffed lemon cookies are quite versatile. For a different twist, you can add raspberry preserves or blueberry jam along with the lemon cream cheese filling for a fruity surprise. Another option is to mix some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the cookie dough for added texture. If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, consider adding a mix of orange and lemon zest to the dough for an extra citrusy note. These variations can help you customize the cookies to your taste or to use ingredients you might already have in your pantry.