Thumbprint cookies are a classic and versatile dessert that never goes out of style. These deliciously soft and buttery cookies, filled with sweet jam, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive holiday treat, a tea party, or simply as a sweet snack to enjoy at home, these cookies always impress with their beautiful presentation and delightful taste. The slight crunch on the outside and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, combined with the fruity jam filling, make these cookies an instant favorite. Let’s dive into making these Irresistible Thumbprint Cookies with Sweet Jam Filling!
Ingredients for Thumbprint Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional for added flavor)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup raspberry jam (or any preferred fruit jam such as apricot, strawberry, or blackberry)
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will help give the cookies structure and the perfect texture. Set the dry ingredients aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process is crucial for creating soft, tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg Yolk and Extracts
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined. The addition of egg yolk helps bind the dough and adds richness to the cookies, while the extracts contribute a beautiful aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls between your hands. Each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Create the Thumbprint
Once all the dough balls are on the baking sheets, use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie. The indent will hold the jam filling and create the iconic “thumbprint” look.
Step 8: Add the Jam Filling
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of your preferred jam into the center of each indentation. You can use the same jam for all the cookies or mix it up with different flavors for variety. Raspberry, apricot, and strawberry jams are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking, as you want them to stay soft and tender.
Step 10: Cool and Optional Dusting
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, once the cookies have cooled, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
About the Main Ingredients
Butter
Butter is the foundation of these thumbprint cookies, providing richness, tenderness, and flavor. The high-fat content of butter helps create a soft texture and gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Be sure to use room temperature butter, as this allows it to cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps with their structure. When creamed with butter, sugar creates air pockets that expand during baking, giving the cookies a tender crumb. Granulated sugar also contributes to the slight crispness on the outside of the cookies.
Egg Yolk
Using just the egg yolk in this recipe adds richness to the dough without making the cookies too cakey. Egg yolk helps bind the ingredients together and provides a smooth, soft texture that complements the crumbly nature of the cookie.
Jam
The jam is the star of the show, adding a burst of fruity flavor to every bite. Raspberry jam is a classic choice because of its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, but you can use any jam or preserves you prefer. Apricot, strawberry, and blackberry jams work beautifully as well. The jam not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful contrast with the buttery dough.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the backbone of the cookie dough, giving the cookies their structure. It provides the necessary protein and starch to form a soft, tender crumb. Be careful not to overmix the flour into the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
These thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, afternoon tea, or just a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The combination of buttery dough and sweet, fruity jam filling makes these cookies incredibly addictive. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different jams, fillings, and even try variations like adding chopped nuts or chocolate.
