These Lemon Tart Cookies combine the buttery richness of a classic cookie with the tangy freshness of a lemon cream filling. The soft, semi-salted butter cookies serve as a perfect base for the bright and creamy lemon topping, making each bite a delightful balance of sweet and tart. With a rich cookie texture and a burst of citrus, these cookies are a refreshing twist on the classic lemon tart, delivering all the flavor of a pie in the form of a cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. The buttery base has just the right amount of sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the bold, tangy lemon cream. The combination of textures—the soft, crumbly cookie and the smooth, zesty cream—creates a delicious contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The recipe is simple to follow, and chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies have a perfect structure. Plus, the lemon cream is packed with citrusy flavor, made from fresh lemon juice and zest, providing an irresistible brightness. Perfect for a sweet snack or a dessert to impress guests!
The Perfect Occasion
These Lemon Tart Cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, springtime gatherings, or a refreshing dessert at the end of a meal. Their elegant appearance makes them a great choice for parties, baby showers, or holiday cookie exchanges. They also make a delightful treat to serve at brunch, bringing a light and refreshing note to the table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Decoration Tips
For a polished look, pipe the lemon cream onto the cooled cookies in a spiral or rosette pattern. You can add a bit of grated lemon zest on top of each cookie for a pop of color and extra flavor. If you want to take it up a notch, consider dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish, or garnish them with small pieces of candied lemon peel for added visual appeal. Another option is to drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the cookies to create an elegant contrast with the lemon cream.
Ingredients for the Cookies
- 110g semi-salted butter
- 60g whole sugar (brown sugar or unrefined)
- 50g white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 240g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Cookie Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the semi-salted butter with the whole sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Form the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the lemon cream.
Ingredients for the Lemon Cream
- 100g sugar
- Zest of two lemons
- 3 eggs
- 200ml fresh lemon juice
- 20g cornstarch
Lemon Cream Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon zest, eggs, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat.
- Cover the surface of the lemon cream with cling film to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, loosen the lemon cream by whisking it again until smooth. Transfer it to a piping bag for easy application.
Assembling the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe a generous swirl or dollop of the lemon cream onto each cookie.
- Garnish with a bit of lemon zest or powdered sugar, if desired, and let the cookies set for about 1 hour at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy!
These Lemon Tart Cookies offer the perfect combination of buttery richness and zesty citrus flavor. With their beautiful presentation and refreshing taste, they are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion!
