Description
Classic Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft shortbread cookies filled with your favorite jam. Perfectly sweet and tender, these cookies are simple to make and delightful for any occasion or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 cup jam (any flavor of your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
- Prepare baking sheets: Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined — do not overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Drop rounded tablespoon-sized dough balls (about 1½ tablespoons) two inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Create thumbprints: Dip the back of a teaspoon into flour to prevent sticking, then press it about halfway down into the center of each cookie to make an indent for the jam.
- Fill with jam: Using a small spoon, fill each indentation with approximately one teaspoon of your chosen jam flavor.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the bottom edges are lightly browned.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
- Flouring the teaspoon used to create the indent prevents dough from sticking and ensures clean thumbprints.
- You can substitute the jam with any flavor you prefer—raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are popular choices.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- If you want a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, buttery cookies, cookie recipe, easy dessert
