Irresistible Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet Delight for Every Occasion
Get ready to fall in love with these Irresistible Thumbprint Cookies, a classic treat that combines a buttery, tender cookie base with your favorite fruity jams. Perfect for holiday baking, family gatherings, or a sweet snack, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Their charming appearance and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser every time.
In our household, these Thumbprint Cookies have a special place in our hearts. My husband and kids eagerly gather around the kitchen whenever I bake them, each picking their favorite jam to fill the cookies. It’s become a cherished family tradition, especially during the holidays. These cookies not only bring us together but also create sweet memories that we will treasure forever. They’re the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and love.
Why These Thumbprint Cookies?
- Versatile and Customizable: Fill with your favorite jams or preserves, from strawberry and blueberry to apricot.
- Perfect Texture: A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a delightful burst of fruitiness.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up anytime.
- Family-Friendly: A fun and interactive recipe that’s perfect for baking with kids.
Ingredients
- 227 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 135 grams (⅔ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 280 grams (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 120 grams (½ cup) jam or preserves (strawberry, blueberry, apricot, etc.)
Directions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla:
- Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Add the salt and all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix until the dough is completely combined, making sure all the flour and butter are fully incorporated. The dough may appear dry and crumbly, but this is normal.
- Form Cookies:
- Form the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Using your thumb or the back of a ½ teaspoon measure, press indentations into the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam:
- Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your favorite jam or preserves. We used strawberry, blueberry, and apricot jams.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious thumbprint cookies!
Notes:
- Jam Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of jams, preserves, or even chocolate spread for the filling.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Tips: Ensure the butter is properly softened to achieve the perfect cookie texture. If the dough feels too crumbly to form balls, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help bind it.
