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Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

4.3 from 33 reviews

Delight in these charming Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for a light and fragrant treat. Featuring a tender buttery dough infused with fresh lemon zest and delicate dried lavender, these cookies are filled with luscious lemon curd for a tangy, sweet center. They bake to a golden perfection, offering a fragrant, floral bite ideal for tea time, parties, or any cozy snack moment.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tsp dried culinary lavender

Filling

  • 1/4 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a soft cookie base.
  3. Add Flavorings: Mix in fresh lemon zest and dried culinary lavender thoroughly to evenly distribute the fragrant flavors throughout the dough.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture while mixing on low speed, ensuring the dough comes together without overmixing.
  5. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Use your thumb to press into the center of each ball to create an indentation for the filling.
  6. Fill Indentations: Generously fill each thumbprint indentation with lemon curd, ensuring each cookie has a sweet, tangy center.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.
  8. Cool: Remove from oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving, allowing the flavors to set and the cookies to firm up.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
  • Dried culinary lavender should be food grade and finely chopped or crushed for best flavor distribution.
  • Store-bought lemon curd can be used for convenience, or homemade lemon curd can enhance freshness.
  • Ensure thumbprints are well indented to hold enough lemon curd without spilling during baking.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Lemon lavender cookies, thumbprint cookies, lemon curd cookies, floral cookies, spring cookies, buttery cookies, tea time treats