Zesty Gooey Lemon Butter Cookies

Prepare to be mesmerized by the delightful fusion of tangy and sweet in these Gooey Lemon Butter Cookies. With a zesty homemade lemon curd heart encased in a buttery, soft cookie, each bite offers a heavenly taste experience.

Why They're a Must-Try:

1. Lemon Bliss: The heart of these cookies is a homemade lemon curd, offering a vibrant, fresh lemon flavor in every bite.
2. Rich and Soft Texture: The cookie dough is a blend of richness and gooeyness, forming a delightful contrast with the lemon curd.
3. Sweet and Tangy Harmony: The sweet dough and tangy lemon curd combine to create a balanced and delicious flavor.
4. Simple to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it easy to whip up a batch of these lemony treats.
5. A Unique Twist: Offering something different from traditional lemon desserts, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Recipe

Homemade Lemon Curd:

1. Whisk sugar, eggs, and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth.
2. Add lemon zest and juice; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened (8-10 minutes on gas, 20 minutes on electric).
3. Off heat, add butter slices, stirring until melted and incorporated.
4. Transfer to a container, cover, and chill.

Gooey Lemon Butter Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then beat in eggs and extracts.
4. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Form dough balls (3 tablespoons each), roll in powdered sugar, and place on the baking sheet.
6. Create an indent in each ball, then fill with a teaspoon of lemon curd.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies flatten and curd bubbles.
8. Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the curd.
9. Dust edges with powdered sugar, leaving the curd exposed.

Enjoy the delightful blend of gooey, buttery texture and the zesty burst of lemon in these cookies, perfect for a luxurious treat. 🍋🍪👩‍🍳