Description
These Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are delightful buttery treats with a tangy lemon curd center, perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack. Soft and tender cookies with a crisp edge, filled with vibrant lemon curd and optionally topped with lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated to form a soft dough.
- Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Create Indentations: Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press a small well into the center of each cookie ball, being careful not to press all the way through.
- Fill with Lemon Curd: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd into each indentation, filling the centers without overflowing.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: sprinkle lemon zest over the top for an added burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overfill the thumbprints with lemon curd to prevent spillage during baking.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool; be gentle when transferring to avoid breakage.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Lemon zest enhances flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
