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Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

  • Author: ChefEmma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with bright, tangy lemon curd. They’re perfect for spring gatherings or as a refreshing tea-time treat.


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
  7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd.
  8. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it becomes too soft to shape easily.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Let lemon curd come to room temperature before filling to prevent overbaking.