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Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful lemon thumbprint cookies blend zesty citrus with buttery sweetness, creating a perfect teatime treat. Italian bakery traditions inspire these delicate cookies that melt in your palate and invite you to savor each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon curd
  • 2 tbsps powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whip butter and sugar until airy and pale, then incorporate egg yolks, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vibrant lemon zest until thoroughly blended.
  3. Gently fold flour and salt into the mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive dough.
  4. Shape the dough into small spheres, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them evenly on the lined baking sheet.
  5. Using your thumb or a rounded utensil, carefully create a gentle depression in the center of each cookie.
  6. Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indication of doneness.
  7. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool momentarily, maintaining their soft texture.
  8. Delicately fill each indentation with bright, tangy lemon curd, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Optional: Dust the cookies with a light veil of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and easier dough formation.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant, tangy flavor that enhances the cookie’s overall taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ perfect thumbprint shape during baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg