Lemon Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of a classic cookie with the tangy sweetness of lemon curd and the tropical flavor of coconut. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy afternoon snack. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the zesty lemon and chewy coconut makes these cookies irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until dough comes together.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill each indentation with lemon curd and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Different Fillings: You can swap out lemon curd for other fruit curds such as raspberry or strawberry for a fun twist on the flavor.
- Coconut Substitution: If you prefer, you can use chopped nuts like almonds or pecans in place of shredded coconut.
- Dipping in Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate after baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For a fresh taste, briefly warm cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
- Can I substitute the egg yolks for something else? If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you could try using an egg replacer like flaxseed meal or applesauce, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheets if you don’t have parchment paper.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- How do I make my own lemon curd? Lemon curd is easy to make at home with eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and butter. It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Can I add more coconut to the dough? Yes, you can incorporate shredded coconut into the dough itself if you’d like more coconut flavor throughout the cookie.
- Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar? Powdered sugar helps to create a smoother dough, but you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar if needed.
- How do I prevent the lemon curd from running out of the cookies? Make sure the dough balls are compact and the indentation is deep enough to hold the curd without overflowing.
- Can I make these cookies in advance for a party? Yes, these cookies store well, so you can make them ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container.
- Can I use a stand mixer instead of beating by hand? Yes, a stand mixer or hand mixer will work great to cream the butter and sugars together and mix in the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Lemon Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors in a bite-sized treat. These cookies are easy to make and bring a refreshing twist to traditional thumbprint cookies. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them as a personal treat, they are sure to become a favorite. The lemon curd and coconut create an irresistible combination that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.