These Classic Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies boast a buttery base with a sweet jam center, making them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.
Butter forms the backbone of these cookies, lending them their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it's unsalted so you can control the saltiness of the final product. Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness while also helping the cookies achieve a light golden color when baked. The egg yolks add richness and help bind the dough together, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes. The all-purpose flour provides structure, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, the fruit jam brings a burst of fruity flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the buttery cookie base.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of black tea, where the fruity notes of the jam can really shine. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. They also make a charming addition to a dessert table at parties or gatherings.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don't stick to the pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure all ingredients are incorporated. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Now for the fun part—use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. This will hold the jam, so make sure it’s deep enough.
Spoon a small amount of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread a bit during baking. Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Share