Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

I recently tried this Thumbprint Cookies Recipe and was pleasantly surprised by its simplicity and deliciousness. Using unsalted butter, powdered sugar and all-purpose flour, accented by vanilla extract and strawberry jam, the cookies deliver a balanced hint of fruity sweetness that makes this holiday treat irresistible as a Christmas pastry.

I recently tried my hand at making a batch of thumbprint cookies and gotta say, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious they turned out. I started by creaming 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until it got a light, fluffy texture.

Mixing in 2 cups all-purpose flour and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon salt was surprisingly easy, especially when I added 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for that little extra kick. This Jam Thumbprint Cookies recipe was a game changer for me because there was no need to chill the dough and the process felt almost effortless.

Once I formed the soft shortbread cookies, I made a little dent in each and filled it with 1/2 cup strawberry or apricot jam. The way the buttery base met the sweet, tangy filling reminded me of some classic Resepi Biskut recipes while still being super fun, simple and perfect for any occasion.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a couple of reasons. First, I like that it only takes like six ingredients—I don’t need to run around the grocery store for extra stuff, which makes it super easy on busy days. Second, the dough doesn’t need to be chilled; I can just mix, roll into balls, and pop them in the oven, which makes the whole process faster and less of a hassle. Third, I enjoy how the thumbprint indentations let me add a perfectly sweet spoonful of jam in the center, giving them that cool burst of flavor every time I bite into one. And finally, these cookies have that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them feel extra comforting especially on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter lends rich flavor and moisture while imparting a smooth, creamy texture to cookies.
• Powdered sugar sweetens the dough and creates a delicate, tender bite in every cookie deliciously.
• All-purpose flour primarily provides carbohydrates and structure, helping cookies hold shape and stay soft perfectly.
• Salt enhances flavors by balancing sweetness, subtly intensifying tastes and rounding out the overall profile.
• Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that deepens the cookie’s flavor and aroma exquisitely.
• Strawberry or apricot jam delivers a tangy, fruity burst to contrast the buttery, sweet dough.
• Combined, these ingredients create irresistible thumbprint cookies with layered flavors and varied textures that delight.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry or apricot jam

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until its nice and creamy.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract until well mixed.

4. Slowly add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place ’em on your baking sheet.

6. Press your thumb gently into each ball to create a shallow well in the middle.

7. Fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of strawberry or apricot jam.

8. Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

9. Take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

10. Enjoy your tasty thumbs up cookies on a chilly day or share with friends and family!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Electric mixer or hand whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Spatula or wooden spoon
8. Cooling rack

FAQ

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but then reduce added salt a little bit. You might also try using coconut oil, but it might add a hint of coconut flavor.
• Instead of powdered sugar, you can blitz granulated sugar in a blender until it’s almost powdery. It might not be as light though.
• If you run out of all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour as a substitute. The dough may be slightly lighter and softer though.
• Don’t have vanilla extract? You can swap it out for an equal amount of almond extract, but be aware that it changes the flavor a bit.
• If you want to mix up the jam, try raspberry jam or even a bit of orange marmalade if you’re feeling adventurous.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is really soft before you start mixing so it blends better with the sugar. If it’s too cold it can mess up the texture of the dough.
2. Try using a small ice cream scoop to form the dough balls so they all come out the same size. This helps them cook evenly in the oven.
3. If your dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands with a bit of flour when rolling the balls. This simple trick makes the process a lot neater.
4. Consider chilling the dough balls for about 10 minutes before adding the jam. This can help them keep their shape during baking and prevent the jam from leaking out too quickly.