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#### Instructions:
**1. Make the Lemon Cookies:**
– **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
– **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
– **Mix the Wet Ingredients:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until combined.
– **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
– **Shape the Cookies:** Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, as the cookies will spread while baking. Lightly flatten the tops of the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
– **Bake the Cookies:** Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers should still be soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**2. Make the Creamy Lemon Curd:**
– **Prepare a Double Boiler:** In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water), creating a double boiler.
– **Cook the Curd:** Stir the mixture constantly with a whisk for about 8-10 minutes, until it thickens and reaches the consistency of heavy cream. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger.
– **Finish the Curd:** Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the butter, one piece at a time, until fully incorporated. Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Let the curd cool to room temperature before using it as a filling.
**3. Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches:**
– Once the cookies are completely cooled, take a spoonful of creamy lemon curd and spread it on the flat side of one cookie. Place another cookie on top, pressing gently to form a sandwich. Repeat until all the cookies and curd are used up.
– For an extra touch, you can roll the edges of the lemon cookie sandwiches in finely chopped candied lemon peel or a dusting of powdered sugar for added texture and sweetness.
**4. Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve these zesty lemon cookie sandwiches immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for an extra cool treat!
#### Why These Lemon Cookie Sandwiches Are So Special:
1. **Perfectly Balanced Flavors:** The soft, buttery cookies paired with the tangy, creamy lemon curd make for a delicious contrast. The zestiness of the lemon shines through without being overpowering, making each bite refreshing and delightful.
2. **Refreshing Citrus Dessert:** Lemon desserts have a fresh, summery quality that makes them perfect for any season. These cookie sandwiches are light, bright, and never too heavy, making them an ideal treat for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or picnics.
3. **Elegant and Impressive:** Not only do these cookie sandwiches taste amazing, but they also look beautiful on any dessert platter. The combination of bright lemon yellow and the soft, chewy cookies makes them a show-stopping treat that will impress your guests.
4. **Customizable:** While these lemon cookie sandwiches are delicious on their own, you can customize them with additional flavors. Try adding a bit of lime zest to the curd, or experiment with different cookie bases such as shortbread or ginger cookies for a twist.
#### Tips for Perfect Lemon Cookie Sandwiches:
– **Chill the Dough:** If you find the cookie dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
– **Thicken the Curd to Perfection:** Be patient when making the lemon curd—it’s important to cook it gently over low heat and stir constantly to avoid curdling. The curd should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon but should still be smooth.
– **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The key to a bright, tangy lemon flavor is using fresh lemons, both for the juice and zest. The zest is particularly important in giving the cookies and curd that signature lemony punch.
#### Conclusion:
These **Zesty Lemon Cookie Sandwiches with Creamy Lemon Curd** are the perfect treat to satisfy any citrus craving. With their soft, buttery cookies and luscious, tangy lemon filling, they’re an irresistible dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookie sandwiches offer a burst of bright, summery flavor that everyone will love. So, go ahead and treat yourself to these delicious lemon delights—your taste buds will thank you!
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