Name: Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons); 1½ teaspoons dried culinary lavender, finely ground; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade); Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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If you are on the hunt for a truly charming and flavorful springtime treat, the Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. These buttery shortbread cookies bring together the delicate floral notes of lavender with the vibrant zestiness of lemon, creating a taste sensation that is both elegant and comforting. Filled with silky, tangy lemon curd, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for tea time, a brunch, or just because you deserve a special sweet, these cookies are an irresistible way to brighten any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. One bowl contains six bright yellow lemon wedges stacked together, another holds four small cubes of pale yellow butter. Two bowls are filled with dried lavender buds, showing a textured purple color, one bowl with a little more than the other. The last bowl is filled with fine white flour with small lumps. Around the bowls, there are a few lavender sprigs and small yellow lemon peel curls scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component plays an essential role in creating cookies that are tender, fragrant, and full of bright lemon character complemented by the subtle lavender undertone.

Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures your cookie dough is creamy and rich without overpowering saltiness.
Powdered sugar: This helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
Lemon zest: Freshly grated lemon zest infuses the dough with citrusy brightness that wakes up your palate.
Dried culinary lavender: Finely ground lavender buds add a gentle floral note that elevates this cookie from ordinary to extraordinary.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth that balances the citrus and lavender beautifully.
Almond extract: Just a hint of almond enhances the shortbread’s nutty undertones.
Salt: Essential to round out the flavors and highlight the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness, making these cookies sturdy yet soft.
Lemon curd: The filling that gives each cookie a burst of tangy, luscious lemon flavor.
Powdered sugar (optional): For a final dusting that adds visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your lavender and preheat your oven

Start by finely grinding the dried culinary lavender using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle; this releases the aromatic oils and ensures the lavender blends evenly into the dough. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3 minutes. This step is key for a tender texture and helps incorporate air into the dough for a delicate crumb.

Step 3: Add flavorings and combine

Mix in the lemon zest, ground lavender, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. These ingredients create a complex and inviting flavor profile that will make each bite memorable. Stir until everything is evenly combined but avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Incorporate the flour and form the dough

Gradually add the all-purpose flour on low speed, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. The goal is to handle the dough gently to prevent tough cookies. Then, roll the dough into 1-inch balls, roughly one tablespoon each, and arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Create the thumbprints and bake

Press your thumb or the back of a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon into the center of each dough ball to create a well for the lemon curd filling. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are just barely golden but the centers remain pale. Don’t forget to re-press the indentations immediately after taking them out of the oven if they’ve puffed up.

Step 6: Fill and cool the cookies

While the cookies are still warm, spoon about ½ teaspoon of lemon curd into each indentation. This step allows the filling to soften into the shortbread slightly, marrying the flavors beautifully. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. For a finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar if you like.

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a light beige, slightly cracked dough forming a round base, and the top layer is a small, smooth dollop of bright yellow filling placed in the center. The cookies are evenly spaced and cast soft shadows on the surface. The lighting highlights the texture of the dough and the glossy look of the filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness that contrasts with the tart lemon curd. You could also garnish with tiny edible lavender buds or a thin lemon twist to enhance the presentation and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these thumbprint cookies with a cup of freshly brewed tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, which complement the floral and citrus notes perfectly. For a special occasion, a glass of sparkling wine or a light, chilled white wine can lift the experience even further.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a pretty tiered tray for afternoon tea or package them in charming gift boxes with ribbons as lovely gifts. For an interactive twist, arrange a small jar of lemon curd on the side so guests can add an extra dollop if they wish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their tender texture and vibrant flavors. Just be sure to layer them gently to prevent squishing the lemon curd tops.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months, giving you a quick dessert option ready to bake.

Reheating

To bring frozen cookies back to life, allow them to thaw at room temperature. If you like them slightly warm, pop them into a low oven (around 300°F) for about 5 minutes, just enough to refresh their buttery softness without melting the lemon curd filling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh lavender has a different moisture content and can be more pungent, so it’s best to use dried culinary lavender for this recipe to achieve the perfect subtle floral flavor.

What if I don’t have lemon curd?

You can easily substitute lemon curd with raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or even chocolate ganache to create unique flavor combinations that still complement the buttery shortbread.

How do I grind the lavender if I don’t have a spice grinder?

A mortar and pestle works wonderfully to finely crush the dried lavender buds. Alternatively, you can pulse them gently in a clean coffee grinder or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared up to 2 days before baking and stored in the refrigerator, or the dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months to bake fresh cookies at any time.

Will these cookies keep their texture if refrigerated?

Refrigeration can make the shortbread a bit firmer and the lemon curd less creamy. It’s best to store the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for optimal texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a special touch to your cookie repertoire, you really can’t go wrong with the Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring a burst of springtime sunshine to any occasion with their tender crumb, enchanting aromas, and luscious lemon curd centers. I hope you’ll give them a try and find as much joy in baking and sharing them as I do. Baking something this delightful is truly one of life’s sweetest pleasures!