Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These classic jam thumbprint cookies feature a buttery, tender shortbread-like base filled with your favorite jam. Perfect for holidays or a sweet treat, they are easy to make and delightful to eat.
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Large bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Separate bowl
- whisk
- Tablespoon measure
- Wax-paper covered plate
- Small cookie sheet
- Freezer
- Oven
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Teaspoon
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 large large egg yolk
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping & Coating
- ½ cup sugar for rolling optional
- ⅓ cup jam or preserves flavor of your choice -- I used raspberry preserves for this recipe
Instructions
Preparation
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Scrape the bowl, add both sugars, and beat on medium-high until well-combined (about 30-60 seconds).
- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed; scrape the bowl and use your hands if needed, as the dough will be dry and crumbly.
- Scoop dough into 1 Tablespoon balls, roll well to ensure no cracks, and coat in granulated sugar if desired.
- Place on a wax-paper lined plate, then gently press an indent into the center of each cookie with your thumb or a teaspoon.
- Chill the cookie dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Baking
- While chilling, preheat oven to 375F (190C) and briefly warm the jam in a microwave-safe bowl until stirrable.
- Spoon the warmed jam into each thumbprint, filling to the brim.
- Arrange cookies 2" apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
The dough will be dry and crumbly; don't be afraid to use your hands to combine it fully. Rolling the cookie balls thoroughly helps prevent cracks. Ensure cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for best results.