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–+ servings

Classic Lemon Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

This classic lemon thumbprint cookie recipe is a refreshing holiday cookie. Fill with lemon, raspberry, or any type of preserve you crave.
Print Recipe
Course Dessert
Servings 36 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2.5 cups flour
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh or bottled
  • 1/3 cup lemon or raspberry preserves
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (also known as confectioner's sugar)
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about two minutes.
  • Add in the lemon juice and lemon zest (zest is optional) and mix until well incorporated.
  • Add the flour to the butter and sugar mixture and beat on low until well combined. Dough will be on the drier side and crumbly.
  • Using a tablespoon scoop out cookie dough and shape into balls. Do not be tempted to make them bigger, this cookie works best in this small size!
  • Set the dough balls on the baking sheet about two inches apart. Using your thumb, firmly but gently press down on each dough ball to create a well in the center for the raspberry or lemon preserves.
  • Place 1/2 teaspoonful of preserves into each cookie.
  • Bake For 9-11 minutes, or until the cookie are lightly golden brown on the edges.

For the Frosting

  • Let the cookies cool completely before frosting!
  • Using a fork, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. Pour the mixture into a Ziploc bag and cut a very small hole in the corner. Drizzle the frosting over the tops of the cookies.

Notes

  • Use the back of a spoon instead of your thumb for making the wells in the cookies, if you prefer.
  • This dough is on the crumbly side, you may need to push it back together after creating a well for the preserves.
  • Room temperature butter works best for this recipe.
  • Sub any type of preserves or jam you like for the filling.
  • The lemon zest is optional but adds a little texture to the cookies.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!