Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, then Thumbprint Cookies are about to become your new best friend. These little treats are the perfect combination of soft, crumbly cookie dough and a sweet, fruity jam filling. With each bite, you get a satisfying balance of textures—crunchy edges, soft centers, and a burst of jam that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re looking for a treat to add to your holiday cookie tray or a simple snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, these thumbprint cookies are always a hit!

Why You’ll Love Thumbprint Cookies

Here’s why these Thumbprint Cookies will quickly become a staple in your cookie repertoire

Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry items here—just butter, sugar, flour, and jam. These cookies are made with basic ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary.

Customizable: You can fill them with whatever jam or preserves you love. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd—this recipe is as versatile as your jam collection.

Fun to Make: Pressing your thumb into the dough and filling each little indent with jam is a fun and satisfying part of the process. It’s a perfect baking project for kids and adults alike.

Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft, buttery, and slightly crumbly with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re delightful on their own or as part of a holiday cookie spread.

Makes a Lot: This recipe makes a batch that’s just the right size to share, so you’ll have plenty of cookies to enjoy with family, friends, or coworkers!

Ingredients in Thumbprint Cookies

These simple ingredients come together to make a batch of buttery, jam-filled delights

Butter: The star of the show! Softened butter gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar: A little sweetness in the dough, balancing the fruity jam filling.

Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure, making these cookies delicate yet sturdy enough to hold a dollop of jam.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet fragrance that complements the butter and jam perfectly.

Egg Yolk: Just the yolk helps create a soft, rich texture, adding to the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Jam or Preserves: This is where you can get creative! Pick your favorite jam or preserves—whether it’s raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even something a little more exotic like blueberry or fig.

Optional: Chopped Nuts (for rolling): Some versions of thumbprint cookies roll the edges in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra texture and flavor boost.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep your cookies from sticking.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to create an indent in the center of each dough ball.

Fill the Indent

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into the center of each cookie. Don’t overfill—just a little jam will do. If you like, you can roll the edges of the cookies in chopped nuts for a nice touch of texture.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will remain soft, so be careful not to overbake them.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or just by themselves!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are a treat on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more special

With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee break. Their delicate sweetness pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.

As Part of a Cookie Tray: They’re a great addition to any holiday or party cookie tray, offering a colorful contrast to other treats.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, or crumble them into a bowl for a fun topping.

Gift Them: These cookies are perfect for gifting. Pack them up in a cute tin or box for a homemade gift that’s sure to delight.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to roll into balls and creates a firmer cookie.

Use a Spoon for Jam: If you want a neater way to fill the centers, use a spoon with a small round bowl to scoop and drop the jam into the indents, ensuring even distribution.

Choose the Right Jam: Use your favorite jam or preserves, but make sure it’s thick enough that it won’t spread out too much while baking. If the jam is too runny, it might leak out of the cookie.

Avoid Overfilling: When filling the thumbprint with jam, be careful not to overfill it. Too much jam can spill over while baking, making a mess and ruining the shape of your cookies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a cookie scoop instead of rolling the dough by hand?
A1: Yes! A cookie scoop is a great way to ensure your cookies are all the same size. After scooping, you can roll them into balls with your hands before pressing your thumb into the center.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just place them on the baking sheet and bake as directed—no need to thaw!

Q3: Can I use a different type of jam?
A3: Absolutely! You can use any type of jam or preserves you like—raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and blueberry are all great choices. Even chocolate ganache or caramel can make for a fun twist.

Q4: Can I make these cookies without egg yolk?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt to keep the dough moist. Just note that the texture may change slightly.

Q5: How do I store these cookies?
A5: Store your thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent the jam from sticking.

Q6: Can I make these ahead of time?
A6: Yes! Thumbprint cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a few days in advance or even freeze the dough and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: What kind of jam should I use for the best result?
A7: For a classic thumbprint cookie, you can’t go wrong with raspberry or strawberry jam. However, feel free to get creative with other fruit spreads like apricot, blueberry, or even fig preserves!

Conclusion

Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect treat to make when you want something simple, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. With their buttery texture and jam-filled centers, they’re a nostalgic favorite that’s sure to please everyone. So, grab your butter, your favorite jam, and start pressing those little indents—you’re about to bake something magical!

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