Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats filled with tangy lemon curd. Their delicate texture and vibrant citrus flavor make them perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday cookies. With a balance of sweet and tart, these cookies are irresistible and visually charming.

ingredients

this Recipe

flour
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
egg yolks
salt
lemon zest
lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until combined.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough forms.

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd.

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12-14 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Dust with powdered sugar for a soft finish.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a spiced citrus twist.
Use orange or lime curd for different flavor profiles.
Drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant touch.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

Why did my cookies crack?
Slight cracking is normal. To reduce cracking, chill the dough before shaping.

Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?
Egg yolks add richness; using whole eggs may change the texture.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Is lemon extract a good substitute for lemon zest?
You can use it, but fresh zest offers a brighter, more natural flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies bring a burst of citrus sunshine to your cookie tray. With their buttery base and tangy center, they strike the perfect flavor balance and are ideal for any occasion. Easy to make and beautiful to present, these cookies are sure to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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