Description
Classic Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender shortbread cookies with a charming indentation filled with sweet fruit preserves or jam. These delightful cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of rich buttery dough and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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 bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well incorporated, which helps give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined, enriching the dough with flavor and structure.
- Blend Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until the dough forms to avoid overworking it.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball, forming a small well to hold the jam.
- Add Jam Filling: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves or jam into each indentation carefully to avoid overflow during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming and texture.
- Choose your favorite fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for different flavors.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- If dough is too soft, chill it briefly before shaping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
