These Cherry-Filled Lemon Cookies are a delightful combination of tangy lemon zest and sweet cherry marmalade, creating a cookie that's both refreshing and indulgent. The citrusy aroma and the soft, buttery texture make these cookies irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, they add a touch of elegance to your dessert spread.
Why You'll Love This: The zesty lemon flavor paired with the sweet cherry filling offers a delightful contrast that makes these cookies stand out. The preparation is simple, yet the result is a sophisticated and delicious treat. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for impressing your guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat for family and friends. These cookies are also great for gifting, bringing a touch of homemade warmth and love to any celebration.
Decoration Tips: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a classic finish. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Garnish with a small piece of candied lemon peel or a whole cherry for an added visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- 250g all-purpose flour (2 full cups)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 120g sugar (6 tablespoons)
- 115g butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 30ml lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
- A pinch of salt
- Cherry marmalade (or any fruit filling)
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, rub together the lemon zest and sugar until fragrant.
- Add the eggs and beat for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mix in the melted butter and lemon juice until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, similar to cake batter.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 35-40 minutes until it firms up to a cookie dough consistency.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) with a fan setting.
- Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
- Coat each dough ball generously with powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them well apart.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each ball and fill it with a small amount of cherry marmalade.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for exactly 10 minutes. The cookies will be soft and might appear undercooked but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling them.
Enjoy these Cherry-Filled Lemon Cookies, a perfect blend of citrusy freshness and fruity sweetness that will brighten any occasion!
