What ingredients do I need to make Lemon Thumbprint Cookies?

To make Lemon Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll need all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. For the filling, lemon curd is essential to achieve the signature tangy flavor. Some recipes also call for lemon zest to boost the citrus aroma. These ingredients combine to create a soft, buttery cookie with a sweet and tart lemon center.

Can I substitute lemon curd with something else in Lemon Thumbprint Cookies?

Yes, if you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can use fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam as a filling instead. While this changes the flavor profile, the cookies will still be delicious. To retain some lemon flavor, you might add lemon zest to the dough or drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top.

How do I prevent Lemon Thumbprint Cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To keep your cookies from spreading, make sure your butter is chilled before mixing and avoid over- creaming it with sugar. After shaping the dough into balls, chill them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking. Also, place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them to allow for slight expansion.

Can Lemon Thumbprint Cookies be made ahead and stored?

Yes, Lemon Thumbprint Cookies store well. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies without the lemon curd for up to 2 months, then add the curd just before serving. Alternatively, shaped cookie dough balls can be frozen and baked fresh when needed.

How can I make the lemon flavor stronger in my Lemon Thumbprint Cookies?

To intensify the lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the cookie dough and use a high-quality lemon curd. You can also include ½ teaspoon of lemon extract or lemon juice in the dough to boost citrus notes without altering the texture. Finishing the cookies with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice provides an additional burst of flavor.

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Recipe For Tangy Sweet Treats

Name: Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 4 h 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; – 1 tablespoon cornstarch; – 1/4 teaspoon salt; – 14 tablespoons unsalted butter; – 3/4 cup granulated sugar; – 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest; – 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; – 1 large egg; – 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; – 1/2 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 cup lemon curd; – 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Description

🍋 Delight in tangy and sweet lemon thumbprint cookies that brighten any dessert table.
🍪 These homemade treats offer a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and buttery soft dough, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

– 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 14 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 3/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup lemon curd

– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1-Getting started: Getting started with Lemon Thumbprint Cookies is easy and rewarding. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for even baking and prevents any sticking.

2-Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt to blend the dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy, then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, and vanilla bean paste for that fresh citrus kick.

3-Form the dough: Combine the wet and dry mixtures to form the dough, then chill it in the fridge for at least 3 hours to keep the cookies from spreading. Once chilled, shape the dough into balls, roll them in granulated sugar, press an indentation into each, and fill with lemon curd. Chill briefly before baking for 12-13 minutes until golden.

4-Final Touches: After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet. Drizzle with icing made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice for a sweet finish. Total time is about 4 hours, including chilling, and you’ll get 36-40 cookies to share.

Notes

❄️ Chill dough thoroughly to prevent cookies from spreading during baking.
🧈 Use cold butter to achieve the perfect texture for the dough.
🍊 Substitute lemon curd with other fruit preserves for variety.
🍈 A melon baller helps create neat indentations without cracking the dough.
🥶 Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Keywords: Lemon Thumbprints, Tangy Cookies, Sweet Cookies, Homemade Lemon Cookies