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These Thumbprint Cookies always remind me of baking with my grandmother. The buttery dough squishing between my fingers and that perfect little well waiting to be filled with colorful jam. It's amazing how such simple ingredients create something so special. When these are baking my whole house fills with the most wonderful cozy aroma that just feels like Christmas.
Why I Love Making These
There's something so wonderful about the simplicity of these cookies. The way the buttery shortbread base melts in your mouth and that bright pop of jam in the center. I love that both new bakers and seasoned pros can create these beautiful treats. They're my go to when I need something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- Butter: A whole cup softened to perfection makes these melt in your mouth.
- Brown Sugar: Just a third cup gives that lovely caramel note.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon adds such wonderful warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Nearly two cups sifted for the most tender cookies.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon makes all the flavors pop.
- Jam: Half a cup of your favorite kind I love raspberry best.
Let's Get Baking
- Start with your butter mixture:
- Get that butter and brown sugar nice and fluffy then mix in your vanilla.
- Time for flour:
- Gradually mix in your flour and salt until you've got this lovely soft dough.
- Make them pretty:
- Roll into little balls then press your thumb in each one to make room for the jam. A quick chill helps them keep their shape.
- Fill and bake:
- Add your favorite jam then into the oven they go until they're just kissed with gold around the edges.
My Best Baking Secrets
I love trying different jams in these cookies apricot is surprisingly delicious and orange marmalade adds such a bright twist. Keep them fresh in an airtight container or pop them in the freezer. Sometimes I even freeze the shaped dough and bake them fresh when friends drop by.
Trust Me Make Extra
Every time I make a single batch of these cookies they vanish so quickly I wish I'd made more. That buttery cookie with its sweet jammy center is just irresistible. Now I always double up it's perfect for sharing and makes sure I have enough to last through cookie season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why make the indent halfway through baking?
Making the indent after 5 minutes of baking allows the cookie to set slightly first. This helps prevent the dough from cracking too much when making the thumbprint.
- → Can I use different types of jam?
Yes, while raspberry is traditional, you can use any flavor jam you prefer. Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry would all work well.
- → How do I prevent the jam from bubbling over?
Don't overfill the indents with jam. Using just 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per cookie helps prevent overflow during baking.
- → Why use just the egg yolk?
Using only the yolk creates a richer, more tender cookie. The fat in the yolk adds to the buttery texture.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Traditional thumbprint cookies feature a buttery cookie base with sweet raspberry jam centers. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, they're a holiday favorite that's perfect for sharing.