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Best Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Best Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Zesty lemon thumbprint cookies blend buttery richness with tangy citrus notes. Homemade desserts like these invite you to savor sweet-tart perfection in each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Filling and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk

Finishing:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Blend softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to develop a rich, fragrant foundation.
  4. Gently fold flour and salt into the creamy mixture, working until a cohesive, tender dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, placing them evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Create a delicate well in the center of each cookie using your thumb, ensuring a consistent indentation for the lemon filling.
  7. Carefully fill each dimple with vibrant lemon curd, distributing the tangy spread evenly across the cookie surface.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for edges to transform into a golden-brown hue.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before finishing with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Gently warm butter to room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality lemon curd for the most vibrant citrus flavor and bright tang.
  • Chill dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain clean cookie edges.
  • Make gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for sensitive diets.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 135
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg