Description
Delightfully buttery and soft Thumbprint Cookies filled with your favorite fruit jam or jelly. These classic cookies feature a tender dough with a sweet, fruity center and optional toppings like chopped nuts or powdered sugar, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Ensure the flour is measured correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.)
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (Butter should be at room temperature for easy creaming.)
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar (Adjust based on sweetness preference.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (Adds aromatic flavor.)
- 1 large Egg yolk (Adds richness and moisture.)
Filling and Toppings
- 1/2 cup Fruit jam or jelly (Choose your favorite flavors for filling.)
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or powdered sugar.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air and ensures a tender cookie.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and pure vanilla extract until fully combined, adding richness and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Form the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
- Create Indentations and Add Filling: Press down gently in the center of each dough ball to create a thumbprint indentation. Fill each indentation with your chosen fruit jam or jelly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This ensures a perfect balance of soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to achieve the best creaming results for a tender texture.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste, keeping in mind that jam adds additional sweetness.
- Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for variety.
- For a nutty twist, roll cookie dough balls in finely chopped nuts before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
