Description
Thumbprint cookies are a delightful classic dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base filled with a sweet, fruity jam center. These cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a charming, homemade treat. With a tender crumb and the luscious burst of your favorite preserves, thumbprint cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) thoroughly to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop approximately 1-inch balls of dough and roll them between your palms until smooth. Place these balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Indentations: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball, being careful not to press all the way through.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam or preserves into each indentation, filling the center of each cookie.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive look.
Notes
- You can switch up the flavor by using different jams or even lemon curd for variety.
- To prevent cracking during baking, chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping into balls.
- Ensure dough balls are spaced adequately on the baking sheet to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Use a gentle hand when making the thumbprint indentation to avoid breaking the dough ball apart.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
