Description
These classic Thumbprint Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. Rolled in sugar and filled with your favorite jam, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. With a simple dough chilled and baked to golden perfection, these cookies offer a tender crumb and a burst of fruity flavor at the center.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling & Coating
- ¼ cup jam (apricot or seedless raspberry recommended)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add Flavor and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and kosher salt to the butter mixture and beat until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, reduce mixer speed to low, and gradually add the flour. Scrape the bowl as needed. The dough may look crumbly initially; continue mixing or use your hands to bring it together.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up for easier handling.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Coat Dough Balls: Pour ⅓ cup granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop one tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat evenly. Place the coated balls on the baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball to form a small well.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about half a teaspoon of your chosen jam into each thumbprint indentation carefully, avoiding overflow.
- Bake: Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for an additional minute.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Room temperature butter is key for creaming and achieving a light cookie texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes handling easier.
- You can use any seedless jam or preserves for the filling to suit your taste.
- Make sure not to overfill the thumbprints to avoid jam spilling during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well before baking; freeze rolled dough balls and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookie recipe, classic cookies
