Description
These Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a refreshing lemon flavor complemented by a sweet raspberry jam center. Ideal for holidays, afternoon tea, or a homemade dessert, these cookies combine tangy citrus notes and fruity sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/3 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with bright citrus and aromatic vanilla flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Thumbprint Indentation: Gently press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create a small well for the jam filling.
- Fill with Raspberry Jam: Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into each indentation, making sure not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving to let them set properly.
Notes
- Use strawberry or apricot jam as a delicious alternative to raspberry jam.
- If the dough softens too much while working with it, chill it briefly in the refrigerator to make handling easier.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
