Ingredients
Scale
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ tsp salt
For the lemon curd filling (homemade option):
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Optional garnishes:
- Extra shredded coconut, toasted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd (if making homemade)
- In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler) and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula, for 8-10 minutes or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits. Transfer to a clean container, cover with plastic wrap pressed against the surface, and refrigerate until set (about 1 hour).
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, shredded coconut, and salt until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. If the dough cracks slightly, smooth the edges with your fingers.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 4: Fill and Garnish the Cookies
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, fill each indentation with a spoonful of lemon curd. For a neater presentation, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the curd into the centers.
- Sprinkle the cookies with extra shredded coconut (toasted if preferred) or a dusting of powdered sugar for garnish.
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g