Zesty Crumbl Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe: Bright & Buttery Joy

Soft, pillowy cookies with a zesty lemon poppy seed twist await your taste buds.

These delightful treats capture the essence of bakery-style indulgence right in your kitchen.

Crumbl lemon poppy seed cookies bring sunshine to your dessert plate with their bright, tangy flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender crumb and vibrant citrus notes.

The delicate poppy seeds add a subtle crunch that complements the lemon refreshing zing.

Home bakers will adore how simple these cookies are to prepare with just a few key ingredients.

Let the aroma of fresh lemon and delicate sweetness draw you into creating this irresistible bakery-style delight.

FAQs

  • What is lemon curd and why is it frozen?

Lemon curd is a creamy, tangy spread made from eggs, sugar, butter, and lemon juice. Freezing it helps create a solid center for the cookies, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing the curd from melting during baking.

  • Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sweeteners for the most authentic taste.

  • What do poppy seeds do in this recipe?

Poppy seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and delightful crunch to the cookies. They also provide visual interest and a unique texture that complements the bright lemon flavor.

Crumbl Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Fan Favorites

  • Create Bursting Flavor Sensation: Lemon poppy seed cookies deliver an incredible tangy-sweet explosion that makes taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Master Impressive Baking Skills: The recipe looks complex but becomes surprisingly manageable, allowing home bakers to craft professional-quality cookies that wow family and friends.
  • Surprise Hidden Lemon Curd Center: Each cookie contains a delightful molten lemon curd surprise in the middle, transforming an ordinary treat into a gourmet dessert experience.
  • Customize for Special Moments: Perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, summer parties, or gifting to someone who loves bright, zesty flavors with a elegant twist.
Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cookie and helps with browning and texture.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Adds structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Extract, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy flavor to the cookies.
  • Poppy Seeds: Adds texture and subtle nutty flavor to the cookie dough and glaze.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Powder: Provides structure and helps the cookies rise and maintain shape.
  • Lemon Curd: Creates a tangy, creamy center for the cookies.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Lemon Juice, Powdered Sugar, Lemon Zest, Poppy Seeds: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the lemon cookie flavor.

Baking Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Today

Step 1: Create Frozen Lemon Curd Medallions

Scoop lemon curd onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Spread each portion into thin, even discs. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough Base

In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated and powdered sugars until light and fluffy.

Add egg, extra egg yolk, fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Mix well until combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and poppy seeds until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape Unique Cookie Pockets

Flatten portions of dough between your hands. Place a frozen lemon curd medallion in the center of each.

Fold the dough around the curd, sealing to form a cookie pocket.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-13 minutes.

Cookies may appear slightly underbaked but will finish cooking as they cool.

Step 6: Craft Zesty Poppy Seed Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and lemon zest.

Stir constantly until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in poppy seeds.

Step 7: Finish with Glistening Glaze

Once cookies are completely cooled, brush the glaze generously over each. Let the glaze set before serving.

  • Spread lemon curd evenly and thin on parchment paper to ensure quick and uniform freezing, preventing any clumping or uneven texture.
  • Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked to maintain a soft, chewy center that continues cooking on the baking sheet.
  • Mix dry ingredients with a light hand to prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to tough, dense cookies.
  • Stir glaze constantly while heating to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency that coats cookies evenly.
  • Work quickly when placing frozen lemon curd in cookie dough to prevent melting and maintain the signature gooey center.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of eggs, and replace lemon curd with a plant-based alternative made from silken tofu and lemon juice.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated and powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cookie sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use margarine or plant-based butter, omit traditional lemon curd, and create a dairy-free lemon filling using coconut cream and lemon zest.

Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Cheerfully

  • Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair these lemon poppy seed cookies with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
  • Refreshing Summer Dessert: Serve chilled alongside homemade lavender lemonade or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, tangy experience.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Arrange on a decorative plate with chamomile tea or Earl Grey for an elegant mid-day snack that elevates your tea time ritual.
  • Gifting Gourmet Option: Package in a clear gift box with a ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or sharing with friends who love artisan-style baked goods.
  • Store cooled lemon poppy seed cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Keep cookies away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate citrus taste. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from softening the glaze.
  • If the glaze becomes too firm, let cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, glossy finish.
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Crumbl Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crumbl lemon poppy seed cookies deliver zesty sunshine on a plate, combining tangy citrus with delicate poppy seed crunch. Creamy frosting and fresh lemon essence make these cookies irresistible for sweet-tart lovers seeking a delightful dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup, 8 tablespoons) butter

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade preferred)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Lemon Poppy Seed Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare frozen lemon curd medallions by spreading 8 tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet, creating 1/4 inch thick portions. Freeze for 1-2 hours until completely solid.
  2. Heat oven to 350F (180C) and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  3. Create cookie base by whipping butter and sugars until creamy and smooth. Incorporate eggs, lemon juice, extract, and zest, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients including flour, salt, baking powder, and poppy seeds into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
  5. Shape cookies by flattening dough portions, placing a frozen lemon curd medallion in the center. Carefully encase the curd, rolling and pressing into 1/2 inch thick discs.
  6. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-13 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheet, recognizing they will continue cooking during cooling process.
  7. Craft glaze by melting butter, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture reaches a simmer, then remove from heat and incorporate poppy seeds.
  8. Generously brush cooled cookies with prepared glaze, allowing it to set for several minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Freezing lemon curd beforehand ensures a gooey, tangy center that doesn’t completely melt during baking, creating a delightful surprise inside each cookie.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs to help the dough mix more smoothly and create a consistent texture throughout the cookies.
  • Zesting lemons directly over the mixing bowl helps capture maximum citrus oils, intensifying the bright, fresh lemon flavor in both the dough and glaze.
  • For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cookie’s soft and tender crumb.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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