Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Thumbprint cookies are classic buttery treats with a delightful jam-filled center that make every bite special. They are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing during holidays or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Step 3: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined. Scrape the bowl again if needed.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to plastic wrap, wrap tightly, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
7. Step 7: Press your thumb or the back of a tablespoon into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation.
8. Step 8: Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. If the indentations rise during baking, gently press them down again while still warm.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature before filling the centers with your choice of jam or decoration.

Tips & Variations

• Use different jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for a variety of flavors.
• For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
• Chilling the dough longer enhances the cookie’s texture and flavor.
• Roll the cookie centers in powdered sugar before baking for a sweet, snowy finish.

Storage

Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If filled with jam, adding the filling just before serving helps keep the cookies from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg yolks?

Yes, but using only yolks makes the cookies richer and more tender. Whole eggs may change the texture slightly, making them less tender.

What type of jam works best for thumbprint cookies?

Most jams work well, but smoother jams like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or marmalade are favorites because they fill the indentation nicely and balance the buttery cookie.

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delightfully buttery and tender Thumbprint Cookies with a soft center perfect for filling with your favorite jam or chocolate. These classic cookies feature a crisp edge and a sweet, chewy middle, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until fully combined and set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until evenly combined. Scrape down the sides again if necessary to ensure uniformity.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until the dough just begins to come together and forms a cohesive ball.
5. Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap, wrap it tightly, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
6. Shape Cookies: Once chilled, portion about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on a baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Using your thumb or a tablespoon measuring spoon, press down in the center of each ball to create a small indentation or well for the filling.
7. Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. If the cookies rise during baking and the indentations fill in, press gently again with a spoon to restore the thumbprint.
8. Cool and Fill: Allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet or a cooling rack. Fill the centers with your favorite jam, chocolate, or desired toppings before serving.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming.
• You can substitute the filling with lemon curd, Nutella, or caramel for variety.
• Make a dent with a spoon immediately before baking to maintain the thumbprint shape if the dough becomes too soft.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing the dough helps achieve cleaner thumbprints and easier handling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, classic cookies, jam filled cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies