Description
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup jam (raspberry, strawberry, or your favorite flavor)
Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together.
Form the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Make the thumbprints: Use your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon) to gently press a small indent into the center of each dough ball.
Fill with jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into each indent. Don’t overfill, as it may overflow during baking.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. Cream it with the sugars for a full 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy; this incorporates air for a tender texture. When adding the flour, mix on low speed just until no white streaks remain to avoid tough cookies. For uniform balls, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure. To create clean indents, lightly flour your thumb or use the rounded end of a wooden spoon handle. Fill the indentations only halfway with jam to prevent bubbling over.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them on a decorative platter for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. Pair them with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze. They also make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in a beautiful tin or box.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cream softened butter and sugars, mix in yolk and vanilla, then incorporate flour and salt. Form dough balls, create a thumbprint indent in each, fill sparingly with jam, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.
My jam bubbled over. How can I prevent this? Avoid overfilling the indentations. Using a thicker jam or preserves, rather than a jelly, also helps as it contains less liquid.
Can I use something other than jam? Absolutely! Try lemon curd, chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or even a small piece of baked caramel or nut filling.
Why did my cookies spread too much? This usually means your butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. If your kitchen is warm, chill the shaped dough balls on the 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, leading to a tough texture.
- Overfilling the thumbprints with jam, which creates a messy bake.
- Not allowing enough space between dough balls on the baking sheet.
- Transferring hot cookies directly to a rack, as they are fragile before setting.
Conclusion
Classic Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless, beloved treat that perfectly balances buttery shortbread with sweet, fruity jam. Their simple elegance and customizable nature make them ideal for bakers of all skill levels. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this recipe and create beautiful, delicious cookies that are sure to impress at any gathering. Happy baking!