Stuffed Lemon Cookies

These Stuffed Lemon Cookies combine the tangy freshness of lemon with a soft, buttery cookie dough. Each cookie has a sweet and creamy lemon filling tucked inside, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for tea time, gifting, or just a little indulgence, these cookies offer a zesty, citrusy kick that’s sure to brighten your day.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

For the Lemon Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, and mix until fully combined.
3. Set the filling aside in the refrigerator to firm up for about 30 minutes while you prepare the cookies.

For the Lemon Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the dough slightly in the palm of your hand.
7. Place about 1 teaspoon of the lemon filling in the center of each dough disc.
8. Take another tablespoon of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by gently pressing them together.
9. Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delicious, zesty stuffed lemon cookies with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee!