Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Your favorite jam (raspberry, apricot, or chocolate)

These thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery cookie base with a sweet jam filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just for yourself, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring joy to your day.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Your favorite jam (raspberry, apricot, or chocolate)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 100 calories, 6g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This is based on one cookie serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Add in the salt and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until combined.
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Using your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of each ball.
Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of your chosen jam.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.

Serving and Pairings

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating

Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. For reheating, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Cooking Mistakes

Not chilling the dough can result in cookies spreading too much.
Overbaking can make them hard; keep an eye on the color.
Using too much jam can cause overflow during baking.
Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the texture.
Skipping the creaming step can lead to dense cookies.

Helpful Tips

Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
Experiment with different jams for varied flavors.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts to the dough.
Let cookies cool completely before storing.

FAQs

Can I use other fillings besides jam?

Yes, you can use chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or lemon curd as alternatives to jam for a unique twist.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Be sure to use vegan jam as well.

What type of jam works best?

Classic choices include raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

How long do thumbprint cookies last?

In an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion

Thumbprint cookies are not only simple to make but also offer a delightful combination of flavors in each bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone, these cookies are a timeless treat that can be adapted to suit any palate.