Cake Mix Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

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These chewy lemon thumbprint cookies start with a cake mix and are easy to make with your favorite jam filling!

plate of jam-filled lemon cookies, text overlay "Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies".

Jam-Filled Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

These lemon cake mix thumbprint cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with a burst of zesty lemon flavor in every bite, complemented by a sweet and tangy jam filling nestled in the center.

Their crunchy, sugar-dusted golden exterior, adorned with a vibrant jam jewel, makes for a visually appealing treat that’s both refreshing and irresistible. It’s perfect for serving at a party or giving as a thoughtful homemade gift.

While they are undeniably bursting with the flavors of summer, I personally cannot wait to include these in our Christmas Cookie tins that we gift to friends and family every year.

And of course, like most of the recipes on our website, these cake mix cookies are super easy for kids to either help make or make independently (depending on their age and level of kitchen skill).

close up of a lemon thumbprint cookie filled with raspberry jam.

Ingredients

  • 1 box Lemon Cake Mix
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1/3 cup White Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Jam of choice

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lemon thumbprint cookie ingredients with text labels: jam, oil, sugar, eggs, cake mix.

Instructions

To Prep: 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.

2 photo collage showing making lemon cookie dough balls.

Place the white sugar in a small bowl.

Use a 1 1/2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cookie batter and roll the cookie dough balls in the sugar until completely coated.

rolling cookie dough balls in sugar.

Place the coated cookie dough balls at least 3″ apart on the prepared cookie sheets.

making thumbprint cookies with a scoop.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and spread out. Use the back of a spoon while the cookies are still warm, to gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.

Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then move to a cooling rack. Once the cookies have cooled, fill the middle with your favorite flavor of jam.

2 photo collage of jam filled lemon thumbprint cookies.

Yield: Makes 20.

Lemon Cake Mix Cookie Variations:

  • Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies: For a fun twist, you can use a strawberry cake mix for the cookies and fill them with lemon curd
  • Lemon Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the dough for a burst of flavor.
  • Lemon Lavender Thumbprint Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender to the dough for a subtle floral note.
  • Lemon Coconut Thumbprint Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the dough or roll the cookie dough balls in shredded coconut instead of white sugar.
  • Lemon Almond Thumbprint Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a richer flavor.
  • Lemon Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies: Beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Use this mixture for the thumbprint filling instead of jam.
  • Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies: Spoon lemon curd into the thumbprints before baking for a tangy and rich filling.
  • Lemon White Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet and creamy addition. After baking, fill the thumbprints with a dollop of lemon curd or lemon-flavored white chocolate ganache.
top down view of raspberry jam filled lemon thumbprint cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, once the cookies have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Avoid overmixing the dough as a first step and ensure that the oven is fully preheated before putting the cookies in the oven. If you still experience issues, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. After that, they may start to lose their freshness and texture.

jam filled lemon thumbprint cookies.

Cake Mix Lemon Thumbprint Cookie Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

If you tried this recipe and loved it too, please rate it!

Yield: 20 cookies

Cake Mix Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Cake Mix Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

These chewy lemon thumbprint cookies start with a cake mix and are easy to make with your favorite jam filling!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box Lemon Cake Mix
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1/3 cup White Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Jam of choice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil until smooth and completely combined, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the white sugar in a small bowl.
  5. Use a 1 1/2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cookie batter and roll the cookie dough balls in the sugar until completely coated.
  6. Place the coated cookie dough balls at least 3" apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and spread out.
  8. While cookies are still warm, gently use the back of a cookie scoop to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
  10. When cookies are cool, fill with your favorite flavor of jam.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 172Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g

Pin this Easy Lemon Thumbprint Cookie on Pinterest for your next lemon dessert craving:

Lemon Raspberry Thumbprint Cake Mix Cookies Pinterest Image.

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Strawberry Lemon Muffins

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