Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful and classic treat. These buttery cookies with a sweet jam center are perfect for any occasion and easy to make. Whether you prefer strawberry, raspberry, or any other flavor, these cookies are sure to bring a smile with every bite.
Thumbprint Cookies
These soft, buttery cookies filled with your favorite jam are a must-try. Simple to prepare, they’re perfect for a snack, dessert, or even as part of your holiday cookie platter.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time if necessary)
Cooking Time: 16-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-45 minutes
Servings: About 18 cookies
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet(s)
- Measuring spoon (for thumbprint)
- Wire rack
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup jam (any flavor – strawberry used in this recipe)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease your cookie sheet(s) or line them with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter or margarine, brown sugar, and salt until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Add Flour: Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too soft, cover and refrigerate for about an hour to firm it up.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls, slightly smaller than ping pong balls. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving space between each for flattening later.
- Bake and Create Thumbprints: Bake the cookies for 6 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove them from the oven and carefully press down in the center of each cookie with the back of a teaspoon (or your thumb), creating a small well without going all the way through the dough.
- Fill with Jam: Fill the thumbprint in each cookie with your preferred jam, being careful not to overfill or spill onto the cookie sheet.
- Bake Again: Return the cookies to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Thumbprint Cookies are buttery and soft with a burst of fruity jam in the center. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they’re a timeless favorite that’s easy to customize with your favorite jams. Enjoy!