Description
Jam Thumbprint Cookies are classic buttery cookies with a sweet fruit jam center, perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a delightful, fruity treat. These soft, tender cookies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite jam flavors, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling and Garnish
- ½ cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, smooth dough ball forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Create Indentation and Add Jam: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a shallow indentation into the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with approximately ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam or preserves.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This ensures a perfectly baked cookie with a soft center.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Optional Dusting: Once fully cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired to add an elegant finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use thick jam or preserves to prevent the filling from spreading during baking.
- For variety, divide the dough and use different jam flavors in each batch.
- Cookies freeze well; freeze unfilled dough balls for convenient baking later.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
