Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with tangy lemon curd, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Their delicate texture and vibrant flavor make them ideal for spring gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a refreshing treat.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

flour
unsalted butter
confectioners’ sugar
vanilla extract
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 mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

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

Scoop the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie.

Fill each indentation with a small amount of lemon curd.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

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

Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Add a bit of almond extract for a subtle twist.

Use orange or lime curd instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

Top with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for added texture and color.

Dip the bottoms in white chocolate for a decadent finish.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days if using homemade lemon curd.
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze 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, the dough can be made in advance and chilled for up to 2 days.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t necessary but helps the cookies keep their shape if the dough feels too soft.

Why are my cookies cracking when I press them?
Try pressing the indentation gently and while the dough is still soft to prevent cracking.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used with similar results.

Can I add lemon juice to the dough?
A small amount can be added for extra zing, but too much may alter the texture.

Are these cookies very sweet?
They’re mildly sweet with a tart lemon center—perfect for those who prefer balanced desserts.

Can I use a different filling?
Yes, try jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for a fruity variation.

How do I prevent the curd from overcooking?
Don’t overfill and avoid baking too long—just until the cookie edges are golden.

Do these cookies spread a lot?
Not much, so you can place them fairly close together on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies offer a delightful mix of buttery richness and citrus brightness in every bite. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and loved by all ages. Whether for tea time, dessert tables, or just a personal treat, these cookies bring a cheerful burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Print