Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

These Lemon Thumbprint Cookies combine buttery, tender shortbread with a crisp sugar coating and a burst of tangy lemon curd in every bite. They’re a bright, elegant treat perfect for spring gatherings, holidays, or pairing with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing citrus flavor, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. The sugar coating gives a subtle crunch, while the lemon curd adds a tart counterpoint to the rich, buttery base. They’re simple to make yet impressive enough for gifting or entertaining, and you can easily prepare them ahead of time.

Ingredients

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

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup white granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
¾ cup unsalted butter, cubed and cold
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup white granulated sugar (for rolling)
¼ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar. Stir in ¼ cup granulated sugar and lemon zest.

2. Add the cold cubed butter and rub in with fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Lightly whisk egg yolks and vanilla, then add to the bowl. Cut in with a butter knife until the dough starts to come together, then knead briefly until smooth.

4. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the remaining ½ cup sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling.

6. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough (about 21g each) into balls, coat in sugar, and place on prepared baking sheets with space between each.

7. Bake for 12 minutes, until the edges are pale golden. Immediately make an indent in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon.

8. Fill the indents with lemon curd and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 30 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Calories: 110 kcal per cookie

Variations

• Swap lemon curd for raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or lime curd for a different flavor.

• Add a drop of lemon extract for extra citrus punch.

• Sprinkle the filled cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.

• Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted white chocolate for a sweet decorative touch.

• Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and fill with lemon curd just before serving. Avoid freezing filled cookies, as the curd may affect texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before shaping and baking.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely—store-bought lemon curd is convenient and works perfectly.

Why is my dough too crumbly?

If the dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water until it comes together.

Can I make these without rolling in sugar?

Yes, but the sugar coating adds a nice crunch and sparkle.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps them hold their shape.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the added salt to a pinch.

How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?

Increase the lemon zest or add ¼ teaspoon lemon extract.

Do I fill the cookies before or after baking?

For this recipe, fill the cookies after baking while still warm.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.

What’s the best way to shape the thumbprint?

Use your thumb or the rounded end of a wooden spoon for even, deep wells.

Conclusion

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery shortbread and zesty citrus, making them a perfect treat for brightening any occasion. With their tender crumb, crisp sugar coating, and tangy curd center, they’re sure to be a hit whether you serve them at a tea party, gift them to friends, or keep them all for yourself.

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