Melt-in-Your-Mouth Lemon Curd Thumbprints (Sunshine on a Plate!)
These Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The cookie base is a tender, buttery shortbread rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a beautiful crackle finish. The center is filled with bright, zesty lemon curd that sets into a glossy, jewel-like pool. They’re a refreshing addition to any holiday cookie tray.
🍋 Buttery Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup (227g) Unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) Granulated white sugar
- 2 large Egg yolks
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) All-purpose flour
- ½ tsp Salt
Coating:
- ½ cup Powdered sugar (Confectioners’ sugar)
✨ The Filling
- ½ cup Lemon Curd (store-bought or homemade)
👩🍳 Baking & Assembly Steps
- Cream the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the egg yolks and vanilla; mix until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture on low speed. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilled dough is easier to handle and holds its thumbprint shape better.
- Roll & Coat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Shape: Place the balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a round teaspoon to create a deep well in the center.
- Fill: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of lemon curd into each indentation. Do not overfill or it may bubble over.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies look set and the bottoms are just lightly golden. The powdered sugar will develop a light crackle effect.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them.
✨ Extra Tips
- Dust with a little extra powdered sugar after baking for a snowy finish.
- Add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for even more citrus flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
☀️ These cookies are tender, bright, and full of sunshine—perfect for the holidays or any day you need a burst of citrus joy!