These Lemon Curd Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for spring and summer! Soft, chewy, and filled with tangy lemon curd, they’re a bright burst of citrus sunshine in every bite. Easy to make and absolutely beautiful, these thumbprint cookies are great for tea parties, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want a light, refreshing dessert.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Lemon curd, for filling (store-bought or homemade)

• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, lemon juice, and zest on high until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

3. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat for 1 more minute.

4. Stir in flour mixture until fully combined.

5. Form dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Roll dough into 36 one-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Slightly flatten each one.

8. Use your thumb or a teaspoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie.

9. Fill each well with about 1 teaspoon of lemon curd.

10. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.

11. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

12. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and store in an airtight container between wax paper sheets.

Nutrients (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 104 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12 g

• Protein: 1 g

• Fat: 6 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 24 mg

• Sodium: 16 mg

• Fiber: 0.2 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Vitamin A: 172 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.3 mg

• Calcium: 4 mg

• Iron: 0.4 mg

Why Lemon Curd Cookies Are So Special

What sets these cookies apart is their irresistible balance of flavors and textures. The cookie base is buttery, soft, and just the right amount of crumbly, while the lemon curd filling adds a tangy burst that makes your taste buds dance. The contrast between the richness of the dough and the brightness of the lemon curd is what makes each bite truly memorable. These cookies aren’t just another sweet—they’re an experience.

Whether you use store-bought lemon curd or make your own from scratch, the citrus flavor is the star of the show. And thanks to their thumbprint shape, they have a charming, homemade appearance that’s hard to resist. It’s a recipe that feels like a labor of love but is actually surprisingly simple to make.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Lemon Curd Cookies are incredibly versatile. Their cheerful appearance makes them ideal for baby showers, bridal teas, Easter brunches, or even a simple garden party. Serve them with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate warm-weather treat. Because they’re bite-sized and easy to serve, they’re also great for gifting or as part of a dessert platter.

They’re especially perfect for those who prefer a lighter dessert. Unlike chocolate-heavy or overly rich sweets, these cookies offer just the right amount of indulgence without being too heavy, making them suitable for midday treats or after-dinner dessert tables.

A Cookie for Citrus Lovers

If you love citrus, these cookies are bound to be a new favorite. Lemon lovers know that the sharp, clean taste of lemon is often underused in desserts. Here, it takes center stage in the form of silky lemon curd nestled into a delicate cookie. The lemon zest in the dough enhances the curd’s flavor, creating a depth of citrus brightness that lingers long after the last bite.

The freshness of lemon also makes this cookie feel lighter than traditional thumbprints made with jam or caramel. There’s a sophistication to lemon curd—its glossy texture and tart flavor—that elevates these cookies from a simple snack to something you might find at a fancy pâtisserie.

Homemade Elegance Without the Hassle

Even though these cookies look elegant enough to be served at an upscale bakery, they are incredibly easy to make at home. The dough comes together quickly with a few pantry staples and just a bit of lemon juice and zest. After a short chill time, shaping and filling the cookies is a relaxing, almost therapeutic process. Watching the lemon curd bubble slightly as the cookies bake is an especially satisfying step.

The end result is a batch of cookies that look as good as they taste. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, highlighting the sunny yellow of the lemon curd against the pale, golden cookie base.

Tips for the Best Lemon Curd Cookies

Chilling the dough is essential to ensure that the cookies hold their shape in the oven and don’t spread too much. A cold dough also makes it easier to roll the cookies into uniform balls. When creating the wells for the lemon curd, using the back of a teaspoon can help keep the shape even and neat.

It’s important not to overfill the cookies with lemon curd—just a teaspoon will do. Too much curd can bubble over during baking, which may make the cookies look messy and harder to store. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling brings everything together visually and adds a final touch of sweetness.

If you’re short on time, using store-bought lemon curd works beautifully in this recipe. But if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade lemon curd adds an extra layer of richness and customization—you can adjust the sweetness or tartness to suit your taste.

How to Store and Enjoy

These cookies keep well in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for make-ahead baking or batch gifting. To maintain freshness and avoid the cookies sticking to one another, it’s best to layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper.

They can also be stored in the fridge, especially if you live in a warmer climate or used homemade lemon curd. Serve them chilled for a slightly firmer texture, or let them come to room temperature for that soft, chewy bite.

They’re lovely on their own but also pair well with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving a larger crowd, consider offering them alongside other fruit-based desserts, such as berry tarts or mini pavlovas, to keep the citrusy, springtime theme going strong.

Customizations to Make Them Your Own

While lemon is the classic choice for these cookies, there’s plenty of room to get creative. Try substituting the lemon curd with lime or orange curd for a different citrus profile. You can even experiment with raspberry or passionfruit curd if you want something more exotic or vibrant in color.

For an herbal twist, try infusing the cookie dough with a hint of finely chopped rosemary or thyme—herbs that complement lemon beautifully. A light drizzle of white chocolate on top can also add a richer sweetness that pairs well with the tart filling.

Another fun idea is to use a combination of lemon and lavender. Adding a touch of culinary lavender to the dough or curd can create a fragrant and sophisticated flavor profile that feels truly gourmet.

Nutrition and Mindful Indulgence

While these cookies are undeniably a treat, they are relatively light when it comes to portion size and calories. With only around 100 calories per cookie, they make a satisfying indulgence without going overboard. Thanks to their smaller size, it’s easy to enjoy one or two without feeling overly full.

They also provide a small amount of vitamin C thanks to the lemon content and a bit of vitamin A from the butter and egg yolks. While they won’t replace a bowl of fruit or a salad, they’re a more balanced option than heavier desserts like cheesecakes or frosted cupcakes.

Conclusion

Lemon Curd Cookies are everything you want in a spring or summer dessert—bright, beautiful, and bursting with citrus flavor. They’re easy enough to whip up for a casual afternoon snack but elegant enough to serve at a special occasion. With their soft, buttery base and tangy lemon center, these cookies offer the perfect harmony of texture and flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. So the next time you’re in the mood for something fresh and cheerful, give these Lemon Curd Cookies a try—they just might become your new go-to treat for the sunnier seasons.