Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Welcome to Sugar, Spice & Glitter! Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, see our Full Disclosure.
A fresh, summer twist on classic thumbprint cookies, these Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Curd are made super simple with a lemon cake mix cookie hack, yet deliver bakery-quality flavor in less than 30 minutes (including the baking time). These melt-in-your-mouth lemon cookies are the perfect summer cookie, or a delicious way to bring summer flavors into your Christmas cookie boxes.
Lemon Curb Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
For 15 years, my friends and I have participated in cookie exchanges every Christmas and one of the first recipes to disappear are thumbprint cookies.
Whether I bring chocolate, shortbread or gingerbread versions, they are always popular, so for our recent summer bookclub gathering I thought I should make a summer version using freshly made homemade lemon curd – but with a hack.
I’ve long been a fan of using cake mixes to make what we call “soufflé cookies” – tender cookies with lightly crispy edges that taste absolutely gourmet. So, why not try to use a cake mix hack to make thumbprint cookies?
These cake mix lemon thumbprint cookies are soft and cake-like with a lightly crisp, sugar-dusted exterior. The dough bakes up tender and airy, while the center holds a glossy spoonful of perfectly tart-and-sweet lemon curd, giving these cookies a bright, lemony flavor without ever having to zest or juice a lemon.
Whether you’re making these in the summer, or bringing a bit of summer sun into grey winter months, these lemon thumbprint cookies are a vibrant addition to your baking plans.
Our easy lemon thumbprint cookies use cake mix and lemon curd for a soft, citrusy dessert with minimal prep. Perfect for spring baking, holiday cookie trays or quick homemade treats, this recipe delivers bright flavor and a tender texture in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Thumbprint Cookie with Lemon Curd
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Thumbprint Cookie with Lemon Curd - Quick, semi-homemade method with bakery-style results.
- Bright lemon flavor that balances sweetness – perfect when you’re craving a summer dessert.
- No one needs to know these are semi-homemade; the results taste rich and flavorful, guaranteeing lots of compliments!
Snackable History Fact: Thumbprint cookies trace back to 17th century European butter cookies, especially Swedish “hallongrotta,” traditionally filled with jam. The technique of pressing a center well has been adapted widely, with fillings ranging from fruit preserves to chocolate and citrus curds.
Recipe FAQs
Cake mix dough is softer than traditional cookie dough, so it will result in a sticker dough than from-scratch recipes. Chilling it for 20 to 30 minutes can make scooping and rolling easier (though not necessary).
Yes, bake the cookies, store them unfilled, and add lemon curd the day you plan to serve for best texture.
Yes, because of the lemon curd filling you shouldn’t leave these out at room temperature for more than a day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if the baking sheets are not cool between batches. Refrigerate the dough between batches if this becomes an issue.
Absolutely, homemade curd often has a brighter flavor and thicker consistency, which works well here. Grab our recipe for homemade lemon curd here.
Thumbprint Cookie Recipe Video
Check out our quick recipe video to see just how easy it is to make thumbprint cookies for yourself – and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe card:
Lemon Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients
Lemon Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients- Lemon Cake Mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable Oil
- Powdered Confectioner’s Sugar
- Lemon Curd <– grab our homemade lemon curd recipe here
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: I’ve provided the recipe for our homemade lemon curd in the recipe card below, but for more tips and in-process images check the recipe link above.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula <– I like these spatulas because they are one solid piece and don’t have removable heads for bacteria to get trapped underneath. Plus they are heat-resistant and have a lifetime warranty.
- Cookie Sheet <– you will want two so you can bake one tray while the other is cooling
- Parchment paper or Silicone Baking Mats
- Cookie scoop
How to Make Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Curd
How to Make Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon CurdPreheat oven to 350F.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil until smooth and completely combined, about 2 minutes.
Place the confectioner’s sugar in a small bowl.
Use a 1 1/2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough and roll the cookie dough balls in the confectioner’s sugar until completely coated.
Place the coated cookie dough balls at least 2″ apart on the prepared cookie sheets. (To prevent cracks, you can press a teaspoon into each cookie dough ball before cooking – but it’s not necessary.)
Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and spread out.
Use a teaspoon measuring spoon to press into the center of each cookie to create an indent and then allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Portion about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lemon curd into each cookie indentation. (The amount will vary based on how deep the indentation is.)
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.
Lemon Thumbprint Cookie Recipe Variations:
- Swap lemon curd for raspberry or strawberry preserves for a sweeter, berry-forward version.
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough to intensify citrus flavor without changing texture.
- If you don’t have lemon cake mix, use vanilla or white cake mix and add lemon extract.
- Drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra brightness (whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable, then drizzle over cooled cookies).
- Roll cookies in a mix of powdered sugar and finely crushed freeze-dried raspberries for color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
- Use a thick lemon curd to prevent it from running out of the indent after filling. (Our homemade lemon curd is perfect for this recipe.)
- Sift the powdered sugar before rolling to ensure an even coating and smoother finish.
- Choose a high-quality cake mix, as it directly affects flavor and texture.
- Roll dough balls quickly to avoid warming them too much in your hands.
- Press the indent gently and not too deep to prevent cracking or breaking through the cookie.
More Lovely Lemon Desserts
Pin this Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with Cake Mix Shortcut:
Pin this Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with Cake Mix Shortcut:
Printable Recipe Card:
Printable Recipe Card:Grab your free printable recipe card for our Lemon Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
If you tried this recipe and loved it too, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Sugar, Spice and Glitter.
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Easy lemon thumbprint cookie recipe with lemon curd filling comes together in minutes and delivers bold citrus flavor with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The lemon cookie dough is made with a cake mix hack.
Ingredients
- 1 box Lemon Cake Mix
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/3 cup Powdered Confectioner's Sugar
- 1/2 cup Lemon Curd
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil until smooth and completely combined, about 2 minutes.
- Place the confectioner's sugar in a small bowl.
- Use a 1 1/2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough and roll the cookie dough balls in the confectioner's sugar until completely coated.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls at least 2" apart on the prepared cookie sheets. (To prevent cracks, you can press a teaspoon into each cookie dough ball before cooking - but it's not necessary.)
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and spread out.
- Use a teaspoon measuring spoon to press into the center of each cookie to create an indent and then allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Portion about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lemon curd into each cookie indentation. (The amount will vary based on how deep the indentation is.)
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Homemade Lemon Curd Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (approximately 2 lemsons)
- 6 Tablespoons cold butter
Instructions:
- Whisk together the white sugar and eggs in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add in the lemon juice and lemon zest and whisk until combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly add in the butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each tablespoon to melt before adding in the next tablespoon.
- Once all butter has been added, continue cooking for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl, place plastic wrap or parchment paper directly against the lemon curd and place in the fridge to set for 2-3 hours.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 175Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 212mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 2g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
For more scrumptious cookies, check out our full cookie recipe collection here:
For more decadent desserts, check out our full dessert recipe collection here:
