Lemon_Thumbprint_Cookies

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Recipe: A Tangy, Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

ByJulia Child

If you’re in the mood for a simple yet delicious cookie recipe that combines a zesty citrus flavor with a sweet jam center, Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect choice. These soft, buttery cookies are the ideal combination of tart and sweet, and they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a treat, these lemon cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for making the best lemon thumbprint cookies, complete with helpful tips, storage instructions, and nutritional breakdowns. We’ll also answer a few frequently asked questions to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!

What Are Lemon Thumbprint Cookies?

Lemon thumbprint cookies are a variation of the classic thumbprint cookie, where a small indentation is made in the center of the cookie before baking, and it’s filled with jam or curd. In this version, we use a tangy lemon filling that complements the soft, buttery base perfectly. The cookies are slightly crisp around the edges and tender on the inside. They are a hit at tea parties, gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack.

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable cookies:

  • For the Cookie Dough:
    • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg yolk
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • For the Filling:
    • 1/4 cup lemon curd or lemon jam (store-bought or homemade)
  • For the Coating:
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the egg yolk, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is combined.

Step 2: Form the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into small balls about 1-inch in diameter. Then, roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat it lightly. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Create the Thumbprint Indentation

Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Be sure not to press all the way through; you want to create a nice little well for the filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft in the center. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Lemon Filling

Once the cookies are completely cooled, fill the center indentation with a spoonful of lemon curd or lemon jam. If you prefer a tangy lemon flavor, lemon curd is the way to go. For a sweeter option, lemon jam works beautifully!

Recipe Notes

  • Lemon Curd vs. Jam: Both lemon curd and lemon jam are fantastic for these cookies, but they offer different textures and flavors. Lemon curd is creamier and has a rich, smooth texture, while lemon jam has more of a jelly-like consistency and a sweeter taste.
  • Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter can cause the dough to be too stiff, making it harder to form the cookie balls.
  • Chilling the Dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make the dough easier to work with.

Time and Serving

  • Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Serving Size: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Storage Instructions

Lemon thumbprint cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

  • Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Freezing: These cookies freeze well! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~130-150 calories
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.5g

These values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

  1. Try Different Fillings: While lemon curd is the classic choice, you could experiment with different flavors like orange marmalade, raspberry jam, or even a combination of lemon and blueberry jam for a fun twist.
  2. Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a light lemon glaze over the cookies once they’ve cooled. Simply combine powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze, then drizzle it over the cookies.

How to Serve Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon thumbprint cookies make a wonderful dessert for any occasion! Serve them at afternoon tea, as a sweet snack, or during holiday gatherings. These cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of lemonade, making them the perfect treat for summer.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Mixer (hand or stand mixer)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper)
  • Wire rack (for cooling)
  • Teaspoon or thumb (for making the indentations)

FAQs About Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

While margarine can be substituted for butter, the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Butter gives the cookies a richer taste and a softer texture.

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer for a fresh batch anytime!

To make lemon curd, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter, then cook over low heat until thickened. It’s a simple recipe that adds a tangy, creamy flavor to your cookies.

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