Oh, thumbprint cookies with jam recipe—what a delight! These charming little treats have been around for generations, and there’s something so nostalgic about them, isn’t there? Often associated with cozy family gatherings, they combine a buttery cookie base with a luscious dollop of jam right in the center, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. I remember my grandma used to make these for holidays, and the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house was simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try your hand at making these delightful cookies, you’ll find they’re not just a dessert; they’re a little piece of history and love in every bite!
Ingredients for Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to cookie heaven!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cookie, giving it that perfect texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to that lovely, tender crumb.
- 1 large egg yolk – This enriches the dough and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, inviting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup jam or preserves of your choice – Choose your favorite flavor for that delicious center; raspberry and apricot work wonders!
How to Prepare Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Prepping the Dough
Let’s get started on these delightful thumbprint cookies! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm by the time we’re ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. You want to incorporate as much air as possible for that melt-in-your-mouth texture! Next, add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, and you’ll begin to smell that sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Shaping the Cookies
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—trust me, you want to keep that tender crumb! Once combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step makes it so much easier to handle! After chilling, take the dough out and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now comes the fun part—using your thumb (or a small round tool), make a gentle indentation in the center of each ball. Don’t push too hard; just enough to create a little well for the jam!
Baking the Cookies
Fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of your favorite jam. Now, pop those beauties in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look just perfect. Once they’ve baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial because they need a moment to firm up before moving them. And just like that, you’re on your way to enjoying these delicious thumbprint cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, even for beginners!
- Perfect for any occasion—holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
- Versatile with your favorite jam flavors—mix and match for endless variety.
- Delightfully chewy and buttery, with a sweet jam center that’s simply irresistible.
- They make a charming gift—who wouldn’t love a jar full of these beauties?
Tips for Success
To ensure your thumbprint cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind! First, when handling the dough, make sure your hands are cool to prevent it from getting too warm and sticky. If the dough feels too soft, don’t hesitate to chill it for a bit longer. For jam selection, opt for high-quality preserves that aren’t too runny—thicker jams hold their shape better in the oven. And remember, baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want those edges lightly golden, not dark brown. Happy baking!
Variations on Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
One of the best things about thumbprint cookies is their versatility! You can easily switch up the flavor profile by using different types of jam—think zesty lemon curd for a bright twist or rich chocolate ganache for a decadent treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy vibe. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own!
Nutritional Information
Each thumbprint cookie contains approximately 120 calories, with 8g of sugar and 8g of fat. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Feel free to adjust the recipe with healthier alternatives or different jams to suit your dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your thumbprint cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and they’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat; they’re delightful straight from the container or at room temperature!
FAQs about Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! One common query is about jam alternatives—feel free to use any fruit preserves you love, or even try nut butters for a unique twist! If you’re looking to freeze your cookies, just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container; they’ll last up to three months. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. And don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors; the possibilities are endless!
For more information on baking techniques, check out these baking tips from King Arthur Baking.
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Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic cookie featuring a sweet jam filling in the center.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup jam or preserves of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or a small round tool.
- Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use different flavors of jam for variety.
- For a nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup ground nuts to the dough.
- Drizzle with chocolate for a decorative touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thumbprint cookies with jam recipe
