How to Make Thumbprint Cookies: Jam-filled and Delicious Homemade Treats

Thumbprint cookies are a classic baked treat that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These jam-filled cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to a dessert spread or as a gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup jam or preserves (flavor of your choice)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture and mix until just combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of jam or preserves.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These thumbprint cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of jam-filled cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a dessert to share with friends and family, these thumbprint cookies are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)

Thumbprint cookies are a classic treat that can be made with a variety of different fillings. This recipe uses a simple buttery cookie dough that is rolled into balls and then indented with your thumb or a small spoon to create a well for the jam filling. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious jam-filled cookies:

To make the cookie dough, you will need:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)

The butter should be softened to room temperature so that it is easy to cream with the sugar. The egg yolks and vanilla extract give the cookies a rich, buttery flavor, while the flour and salt provide structure and texture. You can also add finely chopped nuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.

For the jam filling:

1 cup jam or preserves (any flavor you like)

The jam filling is the star of the show in these thumbprint cookies. You can use any flavor of jam or preserves that you like, from classic strawberry to exotic mango or apricot. Just make sure that the jam is not too runny or it will leak out of the cookies during baking.

To make the jam filling, simply spoon your chosen jam into the wells of the cookie dough before baking. You can use a small spoon or a piping bag to make this easier. Be careful not to overfill the wells, as the jam will spread slightly during baking.

With these simple ingredients, you can make delicious homemade thumbprint cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just treating yourself to a sweet snack, these jam-filled cookies are sure to be a hit.

Instructions: How to Make Thumbprint Cookies: Jam-filled and Delicious Homemade Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Make the Thumbprints

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Step 3: Fill with Jam

Fill each indentation with your favorite jam or jelly, about ½ teaspoon per cookie.
You can use any flavor of jam or jelly that you like, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even chocolate-hazelnut spread.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to afternoon tea. They are easy to make and can be customized with any flavor of jam or jelly that you prefer. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for a delicious homemade treat.

Tips and Tricks for Making Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect thumbprint cookies every time.

Tip #1: Use Room Temperature Ingredients

When making thumbprint cookies, it’s important to use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter. Room temperature butter will cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie. If the butter is too cold, it will not cream properly, and the cookies will turn out dense and heavy.

Tip #2: Chill the Dough

After you’ve made the dough, it’s important to chill it for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into cookies. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious cookie.

Tip #3: Use a Small Spoon to Make the Thumbprints

When making the thumbprints, use a small spoon or the end of a wooden spoon to make the indentation. Press down gently, as you don’t want to create a hole that is too deep. If the hole is too deep, the jam will overflow during baking, resulting in a messy cookie.

Use room temperature ingredients to create a lighter and fluffier cookie.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading.
Use a small spoon to make the thumbprints, pressing down gently to avoid creating a hole that is too deep.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make delicious and beautiful thumbprint cookies every time. Experiment with different flavors of jam or try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist on this classic recipe.

Conclusion

Making thumbprint cookies is a fun and delicious way to spend an afternoon in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a wide variety of jam-filled treats that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Remember to start by preheating your oven and gathering all of your ingredients before you begin. This will ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Use high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and fresh jam, for the best results.

Experiment with different flavors and textures by using different types of jam and toppings. You can also try adding nuts or chocolate chips to your cookie dough for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.

When it comes to shaping your cookies, don’t be afraid to get creative. Use your thumb, the end of a wooden spoon, or even a cookie stamp to make unique and beautiful designs that will impress your friends and family.

Finally, remember to store your thumbprint cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious for days to come. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these jam-filled delights are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients	Instructions
1 cup all-purpose flour	In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature	In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
1/4 cup granulated sugar	Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
1/4 teaspoon salt	Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Jam or preserves	Make a small indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon.
	Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of jam or preserves.
	Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.