Description
Delightfully buttery and tender thumbprint cookies filled with your choice of fruit preserves or jam. These classic treats feature a soft, crumbly texture with a sweet center, perfect for any occasion or holiday gathering.
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 easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine, which adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Dough Balls and Make Indentations: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to carefully press an indentation into the center of each ball, creating space for the jam filling.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves or jam into each indentation, filling it generously but without overflow.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cookies have set and the edges are lightly golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked through.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the texture sets and the jam filling is stable.
Notes
- Use well-chilled dough if it becomes too soft to handle comfortably.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, dust cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar.
- Ensure not to overfill the indentations to avoid jam spilling over during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
