Introduction to Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Are you ready to experience a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing? Meet lemon bar butter cookies—the perfect marriage between the tangy brightness of lemon bars and the comforting richness of gooey butter cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with a luscious puddle of homemade lemon curd nestled at its center; it’s a sweet and zesty experience you won’t forget!
The Delightful Fusion of Flavors
These cookies are not just desserts; they’re an adventure in taste! The creamy butter and the subtle hint of cream cheese create an inviting base, while the bright lemon curd adds a refreshing twist that perfectly balances the sweetness. According to baking experts from King Arthur Baking, lemon zest can brighten up baked goods like nothing else, enhancing both flavor and aroma. Plus, the texture is spot-on—soft on the outside with that gooey surprise in each bite.
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, lemon bar butter cookies will captivate friends and family alike. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake something unforgettable!
Ingredients for Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
When making lemon bar butter cookies, it's essential to bring together two distinct components: the zesty homemade lemon curd and the rich gooey butter cookie base. Let's break down the essential ingredients for each part, ensuring your cookies are bursting with flavor!
Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Curd
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetness is key to balancing the tartness of the lemons.
- 3 large egg yolks: These add richness and creaminess to the curd.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the curd and provides a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 large lemons): This adds an aromatic burst of lemon flavor.
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 large lemons): Fresh is best for that vibrant zing!
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons: Adds creaminess and depth to the curd.
Ingredients for Gooey Butter Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups (286g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough.
- 2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature: Provides a rich texture and flavor.
- ½ cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Ensures a tender, buttery cookie.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer for cookies.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (highly recommended): Introduces a delightful nutty note.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating: Gives those cookies a sweet, snowy finish.
With these ingredients in hand, you’ll be all set to create some irresistibly delightful lemon bar butter cookies! If you're looking for more baking inspiration, check out Food52 or Bon Appétit for tips and additional recipes!
Preparing Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Creating lemon bar butter cookies is a delightful way to combine two of the most beloved desserts into one bite-sized treat. Don’t worry if this seems a bit complicated—each step is straightforward, and the end result will leave you and your friends cheering for more. Let’s walk through the process together.
Make the lemon curd
The foundation of our cookies starts with homemade lemon curd. It's the zesty, tangy heart that elevates these treats.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Incorporate 2 tablespoons lemon zest and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the mixture thickens—typically 8-10 minutes on gas or 20 minutes on electric—keep a close eye on it! Once it reaches that perfect thick consistency, stir in ¼ cup of sliced butter until melted. Let it chill in a shallow container while you prepare the cookie dough. Learn more about making lemon curd here.
Prepare the cookie dough
Now, the fun begins with the gooey butter cookie dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, beat together 8 oz of room-temperature cream cheese and ½ cup unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, then the eggs and extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Finally, fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
Shape and fill the cookies
With the cookie dough ready, it's time to shape those adorable cookie balls.
- Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop in powdered sugar to prevent stickiness.
- Place five dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, then press an indent in the center with the back of a rounded tablespoon.
- Fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of the cooled lemon curd.
Bake the cookies
Baking is the part where the magic really happens!
- Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should flatten and the curd will start to bubble.
- Don't worry if the curd looks pale right after baking; it will brighten up as they cool!
Cool and dust with powdered sugar
Once out of the oven, cooling is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- After they are completely cool, sprinkle powdered sugar over each cookie, allowing the lemon curd to peek through—this not only looks pretty but adds a delightful sweetness.
And there you have it! Your lemon bar butter cookies are now ready to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and relish the zesty combination of flavors!
Variations on Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Lemon Lavender Butter Cookies
For a floral twist on your classic lemon bar butter cookies, try adding lavender! Simply mix a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender into the dough to infuse a subtle yet delightful flavor. The fragrant lavender balances beautifully with the bright citrus of the lemon, creating a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for spring gatherings. Pair these cookies with a cup of tea for a refreshing afternoon delight.
Strawberry Lemon Bar Cookies
If you’re looking to add a fruity flair, whip up some strawberry lemon bar cookies. Fold in some finely chopped strawberries into the cookie dough, and replace a portion of the lemon curd with strawberry puree. This fun variation will give you a beautiful swirled cookie with a sweet-tart flavor combo that’s hard to resist. Perfect for summer picnics, these cookies will bring a burst of color and flavor to your dessert table.
Explore these variations and elevate your cookie game while enjoying the delightful fusion of flavors!
Baking Tips for Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
When making lemon bar butter cookies, it's crucial to use room temperature ingredients like cream cheese and butter. Room temperature components blend more easily, ensuring a smooth dough that bakes evenly. To speed up the process, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces or let it sit out for about 30 minutes. Understanding the science behind this can improve your baking game significantly—room temperature ingredients help to trap air, creating lighter and fluffier cookies.
Avoiding Overmixing the Dough
Another key to perfecting your lemon bar butter cookies is to avoid overmixing the dough. Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until there are no visible flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Remember, a delicate touch goes a long way in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave. Happy baking!
For more tips, check out the King Arthur Baking Company and Serious Eats.
Serving suggestions for Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Pairing with tea or coffee
What better way to enjoy your lemon bar butter cookies than with a comforting cup of tea or a fresh brew of coffee? The citrusy brightness of these cookies pairs perfectly with a light green tea or a classic black tea like Earl Grey. If you’re a coffee lover, opt for a creamy latte—its smoothness beautifully balances the tartness of the lemon curd. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors; a vanilla or hazelnut coffee can add an intriguing twist!
Presentation ideas for parties
Elevate your gathering by showcasing your lemon bar butter cookies in a stylish manner. Arrange them on a two-tiered cake stand for an impressive display, or set them in simple white cupcake liners for a touch of elegance. You could even garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal. If you’re feeling crafty, consider adding a small chalkboard label indicating the cookie flavor—an enticing way to hint at those gooey lemon centers!
For more beautiful presentation ideas, check out The Spruce Eats for inspiration.
Time Breakdown for Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Preparation Time
Preparing your lemon bar butter cookies will take about 25 minutes. This includes making the homemade lemon curd and preparing the cookie dough. Don’t rush through this—taking your time ensures every layer of flavor shines through!
Baking Time
Once your cookies are ready, they'll need about 10 to 12 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them as they bake, checking for that lovely pale and bubbly lemon curd center.
Total Time
In total, you’re looking at 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish, plus an additional 30 minutes for cooling. Patience is key—allowing them to cool properly will bring out the best flavors in your irresistible cookies.
For more baking tips and tricks, feel free to check out this baking guide from Complex!
Nutritional Facts for Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Calories
Each delicious Lemon Bar Butter Cookie contains approximately 200 calories. With a delightful blend of buttery goodness and zesty lemon, these treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling overly indulgent.
Sugars
In each cookie, you'll find about 12 grams of sugar. While this brings a touch of sweetness, it's balanced perfectly by the tartness of the lemon curd, creating a refreshing flavor profile.
Fat Content
These cookies have around 10 grams of fat per serving. The combination of cream cheese and butter contributes to their rich, gooey texture, making them an irresistible delight for any occasion!
Explore the nutritional breakdown further if you're interested in making healthier choices. Understanding what’s in your food can be empowering! For more information about nutritional values and healthy eating, check out resources like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodData Central or Healthline’s nutrition articles.
FAQs about Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon bar butter cookies dough in advance. Just shape the cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once solid, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven without thawing!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to refrigerate them to prevent the curd from becoming too gooey. You can always revive them with a quick reheat in the oven for a few minutes!
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Certainly! If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute ingredients as needed. For instance, you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. For a dairy-free option, swap cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed. For more tips, check out this insightful guide on ingredient substitutions.
Conclusion on Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Celebrating the joy of homemade treats
In a world where pre-packaged snacks reign, lemon bar butter cookies bring a refreshing twist that celebrates the joy of homemade treats. With their gooey centers and zesty flavors, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or indulging yourself. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the delicious journey of baking!
Lemon Bar Butter Cookies
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- hand or stand mixer
- Large baking sheet
- Rubber spatula
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
Homemade Lemon Curd
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2–3 large lemons)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter sliced into tablespoons
Gooey Butter Cookies
- 2 ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz full fat cream cheese room temp
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temp
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional but highly recommended
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Homemade Lemon Curd
- Whisk together the sugar, eggs, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.
- Once smooth and well combined, whisk in the lemon zest and juice.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, occasionally stirring (with a rubber spatula) at the beginning but constantly mixing near the end.
- Remove from heat and toss in the butter. Stir until melted and combined.
- Pour the curd into a wide and shallow heat proof container. Cover the container and let it chill while we make the cookie dough.
Gooey Butter Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and butter. Beat on medium-high heat until smooth and lump-free.
- With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour in the sugar. Then increase the speed to medium-high and let it run for about a minute.
- Once well combined, mix in the eggs and extracts.
- Pour in the dry ingredients and mix to combine, careful not to over mix.
- Remove the bowl from the stand and use a rubber spatula to mix in any dry bits that may have sunk to the bottom of the bowl.
- Fill a small bowl with the powdered sugar.
- Using a large cookie scoop, scoop a cookie dough ball directly into the powdered sugar and toss to coat.
- Place 5 coated cookie dough balls on your large baking sheet, evenly spaced apart.
- Press into the center of each ball to create a round indent.
- Fill each cookie with a full teaspoon of the lemon curd.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have flattened and the curd is pale and bubbly.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely, then transfer to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to chill.
- Dust the edges of each cookie with any powdered sugar that’s leftover.
- Now enjoy!
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