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Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 86 reviews

Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender shortbread cookies with a sweet jam center, perfectly dusted with powdered sugar. These cookies have a delicate crumb and a burst of fruity flavor, making them a favorite holiday treat or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping

  • 1/2 cup jam (your choice of flavor)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Mix the Butter and Sugars: Place the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat with a hand-held or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat for about 2 minutes until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Beat or stir until the dough is well blended and forms a soft dough.
  4. Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a disk. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to three days to firm up for easier handling and enhanced flavor.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Balls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before shaping. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 3 inches apart on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  6. Create Thumbprint Indentations: Use your thumb to gently press an indentation in the center of each dough ball, being careful not to crack the dough.
  7. Fill Indentations with Jam and Chill: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into the indentation of each cookie. Place the baking trays in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until the cookies are firm.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the chilled cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let them sit on the trays for 5 minutes.
  9. Cool and Finish: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use a firm fruit jam like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain cookie shape and enhances flavor.
  • To avoid cracking when making thumbprints, gently press with your thumb without pushing too hard.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Cookies can be frozen before baking; after chilling in the freezer, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, shortbread cookies, holiday cookies, baked cookies, jam filled cookies

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/jam-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/