Zesty Caramelized Sugar Thumbprints (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Cookies
01 -
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 -
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
03 -
¾ cup granulated sugar
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
1 tablespoon lemon zest
06 -
2 tablespoons lemon juice
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
½ teaspoon baking powder
09 -
Pinch of salt
→ For the Filling and Topping
10 -
½ cup lemon curd
11 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it determines the texture of your cookies.
03 -
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can result in tough cookies.
05 -
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly with your fingers.
06 -
Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of lemon curd.
07 -
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want them to remain soft and chewy in the center.
08 -
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
09 -
Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top of each cookie until golden brown and crisp. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before enjoying.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth, creamy mixture that is easy to work with.
02 -
Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor. The oils in the zest provide a fragrant, intense lemon flavor that bottled lemon juice just can't match.
03 -
If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can briefly place the cookies under the broiler. Just watch them closely to prevent burning!
04 -
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based butter.