Thumbprint cookies are a delightful classic, perfect for holiday baking or a simple sweet treat. Soft and buttery, these cookies are filled with your favorite fruit preserves or jam, making them an irresistible choice for any cookie lover. Follow this easy recipe to make your own batch of thumbprint cookies that are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam of choice
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft, tender cookie texture.
Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla:
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness, while the vanilla provides a lovely flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
Form Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball, creating a perfect spot for the jam.
Fill with Jam:
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves or jam. You can use any flavor you prefer, from raspberry to apricot.
Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Presentation:
Arrange your thumbprint cookies on a decorative platter or a cookie jar to make them look appealing. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
Pairings:
Thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Temperature:
These cookies are delicious at room temperature. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, you can briefly reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature:
Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the cookies fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration:
If you need to store the cookies for a longer period, you can refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap before refrigerating. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Freezing:
To freeze thumbprint cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat them in the oven.
Layering:
If stacking cookies in a container, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together or losing their shape.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use different types of jam or preserves for thumbprint cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any type of fruit preserves or jam you like. Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors to customize your cookies.
What should I do if my thumbprint cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is at the right temperature (room temperature) and measure your flour accurately. You can also try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.
How can I make my thumbprint cookies look more festive?
To make your thumbprint cookies more festive, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking or drizzling them with melted chocolate. You can also use colorful jam or sprinkle some edible glitter on top for a special touch.
Can I make the dough in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and freeze it. Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion:
These thumbprint cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Enjoy baking and indulging in these sweet, jam-filled delights!
📖 Recipe:
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Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these classic thumbprint cookies, soft and buttery with a sweet fruit preserve center. Perfect for holiday baking or a simple sweet treat, these cookies are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. Follow this simple recipe to create delightful thumbprint cookies that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves or jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter to achieve a soft and tender cookie texture.
You can use any flavor of jam or preserves you prefer. Experiment with different varieties for unique flavor combinations.
If the cookies spread too much, chill the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
