If you love bright citrus desserts, Lemon Bar Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic lemon bar. These cookies combine a soft, buttery cookie base with a tangy lemon curd center, creating the perfect balance between sweet and tart. They are elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to bake at home whenever you crave a refreshing dessert.
The texture is soft and slightly creamy thanks to the addition of cream cheese in the dough, while the lemon filling adds a vibrant burst of flavor. With their crackled powdered sugar coating and sunny citrus taste, these cookies quickly become a favorite for spring and summer baking.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Curd Filling
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd
In a heatproof bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and salt. Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom does not touch the water. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely chilled.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour to make it easier to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill the center with a small spoonful of chilled lemon curd.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
As they cool, the lemon filling will set slightly while staying creamy and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Bar Cookies
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill both the dough and the lemon curd to help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, tender texture.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking adds an elegant finish.
Storage Tips
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because of the lemon curd filling, keeping them chilled helps maintain freshness and texture. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them later for freshly made cookies anytime.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Bar Cookies are the perfect dessert when you want something bright, sweet, and slightly tangy. With their buttery base and vibrant lemon center, they deliver all the flavor of traditional lemon bars in a soft, bite-sized cookie form. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a refreshing citrus touch to any dessert table.