What are thumbprint cookies and how do you make them?

Thumbprint cookies are small, buttery cookies with a shallow well in the center, typically filled with jam or chocolate. To make them, prepare a dough using butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla. After shaping the dough into small balls, press your thumb gently into the center of each to create an indentation. Fill the well with your choice of jam or preserves, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. These cookies are popular for their combination of soft texture and sweet filling.

What types of jam or filling work best for thumbprint cookies?

Classic thumbprint cookies often use raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam, which provide a bright, tangy contrast to the rich dough. Fruit preserves with a smooth consistency work best to fill the well without overflow. For variety, you can use lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or nut butter. When choosing fillings, consider flavor balance and texture to complement the soft cookie base.

How can I store thumbprint cookies to keep them fresh longer?

Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain freshness, separate cookie layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Proper storage helps retain the cookie’s soft texture and prevents the jam from drying out.

Can thumbprint cookies be made gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, thumbprint cookies can be adapted to suit gluten-free or vegan diets. For gluten-free versions, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum to maintain structure. To make them vegan, replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a flax egg or commercial egg substitute instead of eggs. Choose vegan jam or fillings without honey or animal products to complete the recipe.

Why do my thumbprint cookies crack during baking and how can I prevent it?

Cracking often happens if the dough is too dry or if the cookies are baked at too high a temperature. To prevent cracks, ensure the dough has enough moisture by using softened butter and not overmixing. Chill the dough briefly before shaping to reduce spreading. Bake at a moderate temperature (around 350°F/175°C) and avoid opening the oven door frequently. These steps encourage even baking and help the cookies hold their shape without cracking.

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe With Perfect Jam Centers 2024

Name: Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 1 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature; – 1/3 cup sugar; – 1/3 cup light brown sugar tightly packed; – 1 large egg yolk; – 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; – 2 teaspoons cornstarch; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/2 cup sugar for rolling (optional); – 1/3 cup jam or preserves of choice

Description

🍪 These thumbprint cookies offer perfectly jam-filled centers with a tender and buttery texture.
🍓 A delightful homemade treat that’s easy to make and packed with sweet, fruity flavor.

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature

– 1/3 cup sugar

– 1/3 cup light brown sugar tightly packed

– 1 large egg yolk

– 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 teaspoons cornstarch

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup sugar for rolling (optional)

– 1/3 cup jam or preserves of choice

Instructions

1-Getting started: Begin by beating the butter until it’s creamy, which sets the stage for a smooth dough. Then mix in both sugars until everything blends well, followed by adding the egg yolk and vanilla extract for extra flavor.

2-Mixing dry ingredients: Next, in another bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt together before slowly combining it with the wet mix. This keeps the dough from getting too tough.

3-Shaping the dough: Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon balls, roll them smooth, and if you like, coat them in granulated sugar for a sweet touch.

4-Indenting and chilling: Press a small indent into each ball and chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes to help them hold shape. While they chill, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and warm the jam slightly for easy filling.

5-Baking and filling: Once ready, fill each indent with jam and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for about 11 minutes, until the edges turn golden. Let them cool fully on the sheet for the best results.

Notes

📏 Measure ingredients accurately to ensure cookies remain soft and prevent spreading.
🤲 Roll dough balls smooth to avoid cracks in the jam-filled indentations.
🌡️ Warm jam slightly before filling for easier spreading and better texture.
❄️ Use a cool baking sheet to help cookies hold their shape during baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 165
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 53 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 28 mg

Keywords: Thumbprint Cookies, Jam Filled Cookies, Soft Cookies, Homemade Cookies