Description
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Crushed peppermint or sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
2. Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Create the Indent: Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to press a small indent into the center of each dough ball.
4. Add the Jam: Fill each indent with a small spoonful of jam.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint or colorful sprinkles over the jam while the cookies are still warm.
7. Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving. These cookies are perfect for holidays or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee!
#ThumbprintCookies #HolidayTreats
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect thumbprint cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the butter and sugar for a full 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender cookie. After adding the yolk and vanilla, mix on low speed while gradually adding the flour and salt. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together; overmixing leads to toughness. For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough before rolling into smooth balls. When making the indent, a lightly floured thumb or the rounded end of a wooden spoon handle works perfectly. To prevent the jam from bubbling over, avoid overfilling the wells—a scant 1/2 teaspoon is ideal.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a festive platter, arrange them with other holiday classics like shortbread and gingerbread. They pair wonderfully with afternoon tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a dessert presentation, crumble a cookie over vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a cheese plate for a sweet contrast. Consider using different jam flavors for a colorful assortment—apricot, blackberry, and blueberry all work beautifully.
How-to Summary
In short: Cream butter and sugar, mix in wet ingredients, then add dry ingredients to form a dough. Roll into balls, create a thumbprint indent, fill with jam, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be tightly wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.
My jam bubbled over. How can I prevent this? Avoid overfilling the indent and ensure your jam is not too runny. You can also briefly freeze the filled cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
Can I use another type of jam or filling? Absolutely! Any thick preserves, lemon curd, or even chocolate hazelnut spread work well. Avoid overly liquidy fillings.
Why did my cookies spread too much? This usually means the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. If your kitchen is warm, chill the shaped cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking.
How should I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted or overly soft butter, which causes excessive spreading.
- Overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which develops gluten and creates a tough texture.
- Overfilling the thumbprint indent, leading to jam spillage during baking.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them; they are fragile when hot.
- Using a jelly instead of a thicker jam or preserve, which can become too runny when baked.
Conclusion
Thumbprint cookies are a timeless, customizable treat that combines a buttery, tender shortbread with the sweet burst of jam. By following this enhanced guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and master this simple yet impressive recipe. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or a cozy baking project, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!