Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are bright, tangy, and perfect for spring or anytime you want a citrusy treat. They’re soft, buttery, and the lemon filling makes them extra special.
Here’s a great recipe that’s easy to follow and always turns out delicious:
🍋 Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the lemon filling:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon zest
For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
1) Make the cookie dough
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolk and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until dough forms.
2) Chill the dough
Wrap dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes (this makes it easier to shape).
3) Shape the cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Press a thumb or spoon into the center to create a well.
4) Bake
Bake 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
5) Add lemon filling
Let cookies cool slightly, then fill each indentation with lemon curd.
6) Optional glaze
Mix powdered sugar + lemon juice (and zest if you want).
Drizzle over cookies.
🍋 Tips for the Best Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
✅ Chill the dough so cookies don’t spread
✅ Don’t overfill with lemon curd
✅ Add lemon zest to dough for extra flavor
✅ Store in an airtight container
If you want a lighter version, gluten-free, or made-from-scratch lemon curd, just tell me and I’ll share it!