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–+ servings

Lemon Bar Cookies

Lemon bar cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a soft, chewy texture, reminiscent of classic lemon bars but in bite-sized form.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • 3 yolks egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed is recommended.
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
For the Cookie Dough
  • 7 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3.5 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature) Can substitute with low-fat cream cheese.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with sugar alternatives.
  • 1 whole large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour Measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • powdered sugar (for rolling) For dusting after baking.

Method
 

Prepare the Lemon Curd
  1. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and yolks into a small pot over medium-low heat. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened.
  2. Pour the thick lemon curd into a bowl, mixing in the butter until fully melted and integrated. Set aside to cool or chill in the refrigerator.
Make the Cookie Dough
  1. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Gradually incorporate the sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the whole egg, yolk, and vanilla extract.
  3. Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, folding the mixture until just combined.
Assemble the Cookies
  1. Using a standard cookie scoop, drop dough balls into powdered sugar and roll until fully coated.
  2. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and create a small well at the top with the bottom of a tablespoon.
  3. Fill each well with about one teaspoon of the lemon curd.
Freeze and Bake
  1. Freeze the cookies for 1-2 hours until solid.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-13 minutes, ensuring they are spaced 2-3 inches apart.
  3. Allow to cool on a wire rack before dusting with additional powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gSugar: 8g

Notes

For freshness, store cookies in an airtight container. Consume within one week. Refrigerate for longer freshness.

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