Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cookies with a Sweet, Fruity Surprise!
These Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with a jewel-like dollop of jam—perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or afternoon tea! With just 6 simple ingredients, they’re easy to make yet look elegant.
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for rich flavor)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks (makes them extra tender)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt (balances sweetness)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming.
2️⃣ Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (~3 mins).
- Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in flour and salt just until combined (don’t overmix!).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill dough 30 mins if too soft to handle.
3️⃣ Shape & Fill
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Press your thumb (or a spoon) into each to make a well.
- Fill each indentation with ½ tsp jam (don’t overfill!).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use multiple jam flavors for a colorful variety!
4️⃣ Bake & Cool
- Bake 12–15 mins until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Re-press centers after baking if needed.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy treat!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?
⚠️ Not recommended—yolks keep them tender (whites make them cakey).
2. Why did my cookies spread?
- Butter too warm (chill dough if needed).
- Over-creamed butter/sugar (mix just until fluffy).
3. Can I freeze these?
✅ Yes! Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies (up to 3 months).
4. What’s the best jam to use?
✅ Thicker preserves work best (like Bonne Maman). Avoid jelly (too runny).
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
✅ Yes! Use 1:1 gluten-free flour (like King Arthur).
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Thumbprints: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to dough + fill with Nutella.
- Lemon Curd: Swap jam for lemon curd + add 1 tsp lemon zest to dough.
- Pecan Sandies: Roll dough balls in chopped pecans before baking.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use a cookie scoop for even-sized balls.
✔ Make dough ahead (refrigerate up to 3 days).
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Christmas cookie trays
- Baby or bridal showers
- Weekend baking projects
💬 Final Thoughts
These Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, delicate, and just sweet enough—the jam center adds a burst of fruity flavor in every bite! They’re simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for gifting.
Warning: You’ll eat three before they even cool! 😉🍪
Tried them? Share your pics below! 📸👇
