Description
These classic Thumbprint Cookies are buttery and tender with a delightful center of sweet jam. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple homemade treat, these cookies combine a soft, crumbly texture with a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/3 cup assorted jams (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the raising agent and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes and is key to achieving a light texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in two batches, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can cause toughness.
- Form Dough Balls and Create Thumbprints: Use a small cookie scoop to portion 1-inch balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Press a thumbprint or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball about 1/2 inch deep to create a well for the jam.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of your favorite jam into each thumbprint, filling the indentation without overfilling to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating the cookies are perfectly baked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets to set the jam and prevent breaking, then transfer to a wire rack or serve directly.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- You can use any flavor of jam to customize the cookies to your liking.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For added texture, consider rolling the dough balls in sugar before pressing the thumbprint.
- If you prefer a healthier option, use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly different.