If you adore bright, zesty desserts that are both refreshing and comforting, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Curd Recipe. These delicate cookies boast a tender crumb made from a blend of almond, tapioca, and coconut flours, perfectly balanced with the zing of fresh lemon zest and juice. Slathered with a luscious, tangy lemon curd, they bring the perfect harmony of sweet and tart in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these charming sandwich cookies are guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients is your first step to creating this delightful treat. Each element plays a crucial role—from the nutty almond flour that gives a rich base, to the fresh lemon juice that adds vibrant brightness. These ingredients combine effortlessly to deliver cookies that are flavorful, tender, and perfectly summery in appearance and taste.
- Almond flour: Provides a moist texture and naturally nutty flavor that forms the cookie’s base.
- Tapioca flour: Adds lightness and a subtle chewiness to the cookie’s crumb.
- Coconut flour: Offers a mild sweetness and a bit of structure to the dough.
- Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a delicate texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Fresh lemon zest: Infuses the dough with bright citrus oils, intensifying the lemon flavor.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens naturally while adding a subtle depth of flavor.
- Coconut oil, melted: Contributes richness and moisture, plus a hint of coconut aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus notes with warm, comforting undertones.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star of the show for the lemon curd’s tangy brightness.
- Lemon zest (for curd): Intensifies the curd’s citrus punch.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the curd to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Non-dairy milk: Keeps the curd smooth and creamy without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- Pinch of turmeric (optional): Adds a subtle yellow color to the curd without affecting flavor.
How to Make Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Curd Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and dry ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. This mixture forms the flavorful, tender base of your cookies, so make sure it’s well combined to distribute the lemon zest evenly.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness, the coconut oil ensures moisture and a lovely richness, and the vanilla gives a hint of warmth that complements the citrus beautifully. Stir well until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry to form dough
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If your dough feels too crumbly or dry, a tiny splash of non-dairy milk can help bring it together without losing texture.
Step 4: Shape and bake the cookies
Roll the dough into roughly 1-inch balls, then flatten them gently onto your prepared baking sheet to create cookie rounds. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden hue. Removing them just before they’re too firm ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite once cooled.
Step 5: Prepare the luscious lemon curd
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, cornstarch, and non-dairy milk in a small saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until it thickens into a smooth, vibrant curd—about 5 to 7 minutes. A tiny pinch of turmeric gives the curd a sunny, inviting color but is completely optional.
Step 6: Assemble the sandwich cookies
Once both the cookies and lemon curd have completely cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of curd onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently press another cookie on top to create your delightful sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired off. Voila—your Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Curd Recipe are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Curd Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra pop of color and flavor by sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the cookies or garnishing each sandwich with a small strip of lemon zest on top. Fresh mint leaves also complement the citrus beautifully and brighten your presentation with a touch of green.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a light cup of green or chamomile tea, ideal for afternoon teatime or a cozy morning treat. For an indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla plant-based ice cream to contrast their tart brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cheerful lemon sandwiches on a tiered cookie stand for a charming touch at gatherings. For a fun twist, dip half of each sandwich into melted dark chocolate and allow them to set—combining zingy lemon with rich cocoa is pure bliss. You can even sprinkle some crushed pistachios on the chocolate before it solidifies for added texture and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store finished lemon sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to maintain their delicate texture and fresh citrus flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
These cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, you can warm them very gently in a low oven for a few minutes, but be careful not to melt the curd filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the flours in this recipe?
Almond, tapioca, and coconut flours each bring unique textures and flavors, so substitutions may affect the final cookie. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, keeping in mind the texture might be denser or less crumbly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe uses plant-based ingredients like maple syrup, coconut oil, and non-dairy milk, which makes it naturally vegan-friendly. Just double-check your vanilla extract is vegan to be sure.
How tart will these cookies be?
Thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest in both the dough and curd, these cookies have a bright, pleasant tartness balanced perfectly by natural sweetness. They’re refreshing without being overpowering.
Can I make the lemon curd ahead of time?
Absolutely, the lemon curd keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before assembling the cookies, so the filling sets nicely without making the cookies soggy.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use agave nectar or a mild honey as alternatives. Adjust sweetness to taste, since these substitutes can vary in intensity.
Final Thoughts
I am genuinely thrilled to share this Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Curd Recipe with you because it combines simplicity with a true burst of flavor and charm. These cookies are easy to make yet feel special enough for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Curd Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these zesty Lemon Sandwich Cookies filled with a tangy, naturally sweetened lemon curd. Made with almond, tapioca, and coconut flours, these gluten-free cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for a refreshing treat that combines citrus brightness with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp non-dairy milk
- Pinch of turmeric (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and the zest of 2 lemons. Stir them well to integrate all the dry components and lemon flavor evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then gently flatten each ball onto the prepared baking sheet to form cookie shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Lemon Curd: In a small saucepan, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, cornstarch, and non-dairy milk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Cook Curd: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and burning, until it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add a pinch of turmeric for a vibrant yellow color if desired. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once both the cookies and lemon curd have cooled, spread approximately 1 teaspoon of lemon curd on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently to adhere.
- Serve or Store: Repeat the assembly with the remaining cookies and curd. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Notes
- Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before assembling to prevent the lemon curd from melting and making the cookies soggy.
- You can substitute coconut oil with vegan butter for a different flavor profile.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor and best curd consistency.
- For extra zestiness, add more lemon zest to the cookie dough or lemon curd according to your preference.
- This recipe is gluten-free and suitable for a low lactose diet using non-dairy milk options.
