For a more intense lemon flavor, add the zest of 1/2 lemon to both the cookie dough and the cream cheese filling. If the dough becomes too soft to handle, return it to the refrigerator for a few more minutes. You can substitute other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for the pecans or walnuts. These cookies are best enjoyed chilled, as the filling firms up and the flavors intensify. For a festive touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
Lemon Delights
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PREP TIME1 hrs 20 mins
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COOK TIME10 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 30 mins
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SERVING60 People
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VIEWS13
Delicate and buttery thumbprint cookies, bursting with a bright, tangy lemon-infused cream cheese filling. These delightful treats are perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate8 g
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Cholesterol18 mg
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Fiber0 g
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Protein2 g
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Saturated Fat3 g
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Sodium41 mg
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Sugar4 g
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Fat7 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
5 mins
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)
02
Step
3 mins
Beat in the egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. (3 minutes)
03
Step
2 hrs
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours, to allow the gluten to relax and the flavors to meld. (1-2 hours)
04
Step
0 mins
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
05
Step
0 mins
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Dip each ball into the egg white, then roll in the finely chopped nuts, ensuring they are well coated.
06
Step
0 mins
Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie.
07
Step
0 mins
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and food coloring (if using) until smooth and creamy.
08
Step
0 mins
Carefully fill each indentation with a spoonful of the lemon cream cheese filling.
09
Step
11 mins
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the filling is set. (10-12 minutes)
10
Step
15 mins
Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (15 minutes)
11
Step
0 mins
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh.
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Alfonzo Wiegand
Jun 30, 2025I added a little lemon zest to the filling, and it really elevated the flavor. Thanks for the great recipe!
Janiya Stamm
Jun 22, 2025These were a hit at my book club meeting! Everyone raved about the lemony filling.
Hope Damore
Jun 18, 2025The chilling time is crucial – don't skip it! It makes the dough so much easier to work with.
Lucinda Ziemann
Jun 9, 2025These are absolutely delicious! I'll be making them again for sure.
Brianne Beatty
May 26, 2025I made these with my kids, and they loved helping to roll the cookies in the nuts. A perfect recipe for family baking.