Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies (Printable View)

Buttery floral cookies with lemon curd centers, ideal for elegant desserts.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cookie Components

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg yolk
07 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely chopped

→ Lemon Filling

11 - 2/3 cup prepared lemon curd

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Mix in egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Fold in chopped lavender until evenly distributed throughout dough.
07 - Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Gently press thumb or back of teaspoon into center of each ball to form a well.
09 - Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and reinforce indentation if necessary.
10 - Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of lemon curd.
11 - Return to oven and bake 2 additional minutes until edges are very lightly golden.
12 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lavender adds this unexpected sophisticated twist that makes people think you spent hours perfecting the recipe
  • That lemon curd center creates this perfect balance of tart and sweet that keeps you reaching for just one more
02 -
  • Don't skip reinforcing the thumbprint after the first bake or your lemon curd will overflow everywhere
  • Lavender can quickly go from elegant to overpowering, so measure carefully and avoid adding more than the recipe calls for
03 -
  • If your lavender buds are large, pulse them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle first so you don't get big crunchy bits
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable here because cold butter won't cream properly with the sugar

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