Description
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies are buttery shortbread cookies filled with tangy lemon curd, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large egg yolks (for lemon curd)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for lemon curd)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for lemon curd)
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for lemon curd)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Make the lemon curd: In a small saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Let cool completely.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg yolks, vanilla, and lemon zest; mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Mix in flour and salt just until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and make a well in the center of each ball. Bake for 8–10 minutes, pressing centers again if necessary.
- Fill and finish: Spoon cooled lemon curd into each cookie center and bake for another 5–6 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Serve with Earl Grey tea or iced matcha latte.
- Add raspberries on the side for a colorful presentation.
- For a tropical twist, swap lemon curd for passion fruit or lime curd.
- Use gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option.
- Make ahead: Lemon curd can be made 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg