Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They combine the sweet and tangy flavor of lemon curd with a soft, buttery cookie base. These cookies are simple to make and will impress your family and friends. They are great for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies with a tangy lemon filling

how to make Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 Tablespoons salted butter (sliced, room temperature)
  • 1⅝ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅓ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2½ Tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Lemon Curd:

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in sliced butter until melted and smooth.
  4. Let the lemon curd cool down.

Cookies:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix together flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon lemon zest.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the large egg, large egg yolk, vegetable oil, 2½ Tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  5. Scoop out small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make a small indent in the center of each ball with your thumb.
  6. Fill the indent with lemon curd.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool before sprinkling with powdered sugar.

how to serve Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh, and they look beautiful on a plate. You can serve them as dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack during the day. They pair nicely with tea or coffee, making them a great addition to your afternoon break.

how to store Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

tips to make Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

  • Make sure your egg yolks are at room temperature; this helps the curd thicken better.
  • Don’t skip preheating the oven, as it ensures even baking.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your preference for tanginess.
  • If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.

variation

If you want to try a different flavor, you can replace the lemon curd with other fruit curds like raspberry or lime. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.

FAQs

Can I make the lemon curd ahead of time?

Yes, you can make lemon curd a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely! Using store-bought lemon curd can save you time. Just fill the cookie indents with it right before baking.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can use another citrus juice like lime or orange, but it will change the flavor of the cookies slightly.

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Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Delightful lemon curd thumbprint cookies with a soft buttery base, perfect for any occasion and great for sharing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Curd

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 Tablespoons salted butter (sliced, room temperature)

For the Cookies

  • 1⅝ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Preparation of Lemon Curd

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in sliced butter until melted and smooth.
  • Let the lemon curd cool down.

Preparation of Cookies

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix together flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon lemon zest.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the large egg, large egg yolk, vegetable oil, 2½ Tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  • Scoop out small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make a small indent in the center of each ball with your thumb.
  • Fill the indent with lemon curd.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool before sprinkling with powdered sugar.

Notes

These cookies are best served fresh and pair nicely with tea or coffee. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them after they cool completely.
Keyword Baking, Cookies, Lemon Curd Cookies, Sweet Treats, Thumbprint Cookies