Lemon Delight Cookies

Recently, every time I've been at the store I keep seeing "lemon curd." I have a dangerous obsession with lemon as it is, and while I wasn't quite sure what this lemon curd thing was, I knew I needed it! After the millionth time seeing it, I finally decided to buy it. Forget the fact that I had no clue what I'd use it in. I've tried to find a decent cookie or muffin recipe that used lemon curd ever since, and when nothing turned up I decided to create my own recipe... and I'm glad I did! I took the essentials of a basic cookie recipe and created what I'm calling "Lemon Delight Cookies." This recipe is very easy and quick! These cookies are addicting, but small enough to be semi-guilt free. Enjoy!

I also made two shape versions of these cookies. I'm not sure which I like best. The cookies in the picture above are fluffier and more chewy. The ones below are crisper, but still deliciously chewy! (I made the second kind by flattening them slightly before baking)

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons lemon curd
1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. Using a stand mixer, beat together butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.

4. Add lemon curd, egg, vanilla extract, butter extract, and lemon juice. Mix until combined. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

5. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in sugar. Place on baking sheets.
Bake 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are slightly brown around the edges and set. Let cookies sit on the baking sheets for two minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.