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Final batch of Easy Lemon Thumbprint Cookies, golden and ready to enjoy.

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

5 from 1 vote
These sweet, soft Lemon Thumbprint Cookies filled with zesty lemon curd and topped with a refreshing lemon glaze are perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Chill Time 3 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 38 Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour For best results spoon and level the flour
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch Helps to create a delicate texture
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
  • 14 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened Ensure it is room temperature for easy creaming
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest Adds vibrant citrus flavor
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice For a fresh tangy kick
  • 1 large egg at room temperature Improves dough consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste Adds rich flavor; can substitute with vanilla extract
Coating & Filling
  • ½ cup granulated sugar For rolling the dough balls
  • ½ cup lemon curd Can substitute with raspberry strawberry or apricot jam
Icing
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar For a smooth, glossy finish
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice Enhances the lemon flavor in the icing

Method
 

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt, whisking them together until evenly mixed.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using a handheld or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, and vanilla paste and continue beating until well combined, approximately 1 minute. The mixture may look curdled, but it will smooth out when you add the dry ingredients.
  3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. The dough should be creamy. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours, or up to 3 days.
  4. Place the granulated sugar in a small bowl. Scoop out about 1 Tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each dough ball in sugar and arrange them 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with ½ teaspoon of lemon curd.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the baking sheets with the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator while the oven heats. Bake the cookies for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Whisk together the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. The icing will set within about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 30gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg

Notes

These melt-in-your-mouth lemon thumbprints are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. With a burst of lemon in every bite, they are an irresistible treat that will brighten any day.

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