These Crumbl lemon poppy seed cookies are a burst of sunshine! Soft and chewy, they are packed with zesty lemon flavor and filled with a delicious lemon curd surprise inside.
Every bite feels like a little party in your mouth! I love how the poppy seeds add a fun crunch. These cookies are perfect for sharing, or you know, keeping all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is crucial for creating a fluffy cookie texture. If you’re out of unsalted, you can use salted butter. Just cut back slightly on added salt in the recipe.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brings bright flavor to these cookies. If you don’t have fresh lemons, lemon zest from a jar can work, but it might not be as vibrant. You can also use orange zest for a twist!
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a lovely crunch and visual appeal. If you can’t find poppy seeds, chia seeds are a great substitute, though they’ll provide a different texture.
Granulated Sugar vs. Brown Sugar: Using both adds a depth of flavor. If you want a deeper molasses taste, use more brown sugar; for a lighter cookie, stick to mostly granulated. Coconut sugar can also be used in place of regular sugar if you prefer a less refined option.
Lemon Curd: Making your own lemon curd adds freshness, but store-bought versions are available and can save time. Just ensure to get a quality product for the best taste!
How Can I Make Sure My Lemon Curd Is Perfectly Thickened?
Thickening lemon curd can seem tricky, but it’s about patience and timing. Stir constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook on medium heat; too high can scramble your eggs.
- Keep stirring until the mixture coats the back of a spoon—this usually takes 6-8 minutes.
- Remember, it thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little runny during cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Assemble the Cookies Without Making a Mess?
Filling cookies with lemon curd can get messy, but some tips help keep things neat:
- Flatten the cookie dough in your hand first. Larger disks make it easier to fold.
- Use a teaspoon to scoop the lemon curd—I find using a chilled filling makes it easier to handle.
- Seal the cookie filling tightly by pinching the edges together before rolling it into a ball.
With practice, your assembly will get cleaner and easier!
How to Make Crumbl Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Stuffed with Lemon Curd
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Curd Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Poppy seeds for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the cookie dough and lemon curd, and then it requires 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget the chilling time for the lemon curd, which is about 1-2 hours. Overall, you should expect to spend 2-3 hours for the entire process, including baking and decoration time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Lemon Curd Filling:
Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and frothy. Add in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring well. Keep cooking while stirring constantly until it thickens and starts to bubble, which should take around 6-8 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from heat, and add the pieces of butter, stirring until fully melted and combined. Pour the lemon curd into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, directly pressing it against the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the curd until it cools down, which will take about 1-2 hours.
2. Make the Cookies:
Once your lemon curd is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Assemble the Cookies:
Now it’s time to shape the cookies! Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the cookie dough and flatten it into a disk in your palm. Place around 1 teaspoon of the chilled lemon curd in the center of the disk and carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, reshaping it into a ball. Place the stuffed dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake Your Cookies:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like to add a glaze to your cookies, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and, if you wish, sprinkle some poppy seeds on top for a little extra flair.
6. Enjoy!
Now, take a moment to admire your delicious Crumbl lemon poppy seed cookies stuffed with lemon curd—you’ve earned it! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly caramel flavor. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol, but note that it may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies.
How Can I Adjust the Lemon Flavor?
If you love a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the cookie dough or lemon curd. Just remember to balance it with a pinch more sugar to avoid altering the sweetness significantly!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften before assembling with the lemon curd.
