Description
These classic Thumbprint Cookies are buttery and tender with a delightful dollop of fruit preserves in the center. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet everyday treat, these cookies combine a simple dough with your favorite jam to create a charming and delicious bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine the wet ingredients and enhance the cookie flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball, creating space for the filling.
- Add Fruit Preserves: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves or jam, distributing it evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming and texture.
- Press the indentation gently to avoid flattening the dough balls too much.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top once cooled.
