Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly combines buttery goodness with a bright citrus twist, look no further than these Lemon Thumbprint Cookies. They are not only easy to make but also feature a luscious dollop of lemon curd that adds a vibrant flavor to every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert spread.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
These Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. The buttery cookie base is soft and tender, while the lemon curd center provides a refreshing zing that elevates the entire experience. They are versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny afternoon gathering or a cozy holiday celebration. Plus, with simple ingredients and an easy method, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again.
What We’re Using
To bring these Lemon Thumbprint Cookies to life, we’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter – softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup powdered sugar – plus more for rolling the cookies, for a sweet finish
- 1 egg – at room temperature to help with the creaming process
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a hint of warmth and flavor
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract – to enhance the lemony flavor
- 2 ½ cups flour – the base of our cookie dough
- Pinch of salt – to balance the sweetness
- ½ jar of lemon curd – for filling the thumbprint wells, bringing a tart and creamy texture
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Electric mixer – for creaming the butter and sugar
- Baking sheets – lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Cookie scoop or spoon – for portioning the dough
- Thumbprint tool (or your thumb!) – for creating the signature indent in each cookie
- Cooling rack – to cool the cookies after baking
Make Lemon Thumbprint Cookies: A Simple Method
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on making these delicious cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Create Thumbprints
Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon), gently press down in the center of each cookie to create an indentation. This is where the lemon curd will go!
Step 7: Fill with Lemon Curd
Spoon a small amount of lemon curd into each thumbprint, filling it generously but not overflowing.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top if desired!
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, consider these substitutes:
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
- Egg-Free: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce (¼ cup).
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Mistakes That Ruin Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Not using room temperature ingredients. Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cookie.
- Overmixing the dough. This can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Filling the thumbprint too much. Overfilling can cause the lemon curd to spill over while baking.
- Not chilling the dough. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are great for freezing! Here’s how:
- Cookie Dough: Freeze the rolled balls of dough on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd is a convenient option and will taste delicious in these cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set. They may still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding lemon zest or a bit of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread, it may be because the dough was too warm. Make sure to chill the dough before baking, and ensure your butter is just softened, not melted.
The Takeaway
These Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are an irresistible treat that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. With their simple preparation and delightful flavor, they are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you want something sweet, these cookies will bring a smile to your face and a burst of sunshine to your day. Enjoy baking and indulging in these zesty delights!
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until the dough comes together.
- Step 5: Portion out the dough, roll into balls, and roll in powdered sugar before placing on a lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Create thumbprints in the center of each cookie.
- Step 7: Fill each thumbprint with lemon curd.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Chill the dough if it feels too soft before baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
