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These Lemon Poppy Seed Surprise Centre Cookies are a real delight for lemon lovers. I’ve taken the classic lemon poppy seed loaf cake, and transformed it into cute little cookies. This is such an easy cookie dough, it comes together in no time! Then before baking, you add a little teaspoon of lemon curd before balling up and baking!
The result is a crisp outside, soft centre cookie, bursting with bright lemon curd flavour. There is some zest in the actual cookie dough, which lends itself to a zingy, zesty cookie! You could definitely add some white chocolate chips (about 150g at the flour stage), but I like having baking options for those who aren’t massive chocolate fans!
As is common on my site, this is a mega versatile recipe. You could absolutely sub the fillings for any similar citrus flavours. Similarly, feel free to change how big they are to make more or fewer. If you do this, however, make sure to adjust the bake time up or down accordingly. This is a great cookie dough to make ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer (wrap air tight) until needed!
I recommend a minimum of 30 minute chill time, but of course you could make ahead and let chill overnight to bake the next day. The brown sugar and vanilla are crucial to deep flavours and the gorgeous texture. No need to press down before baking. Bake as balls, and add extra chocolate on top just before baking for that Instagram look.
TOP TIPS FOR THE BEST Lemon Poppy Seed Surprise Centre Cookies
- Butter: Make sure to use melted butter. This really helps the texture.
- Sugars: The combination of light brown and granulated sugars really contributes to a chewy centre and perfect bake.
- Filling: I use a standard lemon curd! You could use homemade or store bought (I tend to buy mine)
- Chill Time: I know everyone hates this part but it really helps make the best cookies! Go for 30 minutes if you can. If you are making ahead, overnight is great!
I bake these Lemon Poppy Seed Surprise Centre Cookies on classic sheet pans (like these) and always opt for silicone baking mats (these are the ones I use) as they’re better for the planet! For more cookie recipes, check out these Best of Both Worlds Cookies or these Raspberry and White Chocolate Cookies. For more baking inspiration, head on over to my Instagram.
Lemon Poppy Seed Surprise Centre Cookies
Ingredients
- 125 g Unsalted Butter Melted
- 120 g Light Brown Sugar
- 100 g Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Medium Free Range Egg
- 1 tsp Lemon Extract Optional
- 275 g Plain Flour
- 3 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tbsp Poppy Seeds
- 1 Lemon Zest
- 10 tsp Lemon Curd
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using an electric/stand mixer (or hand whisk, just double/triple the times) combine the butter and both sugars on medium speed for several minutes, until fully combined. Add the egg, vanilla and lemon extract if using and mix again.
- Add the flour, baking powder, poppy seeds and lemon zest. Fold until combined. The dough should be fairly solid at this stage (it ought to almost form a ball, albeit a very soft one!).
- Cover and chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Line 2-3 large baking trays. Roll into about 10 balls (use a tablespoon to scoop balls of dough). Place on lined baking sheets.
- Place an indentation in each ball using your thumb/a teaspoon. Dollop a teaspoon of lemon curd into each cookie centre. Wrap the dough to ensure the curd is totally sealed in.
- Bake 10-12 minutes, until golden and just crisping up at the edges (they continue to cook a little once removed). Let cool on a wire rack!
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