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–+ servings

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A simple and classic recipe for soft, buttery thumbprint cookies filled with jam.
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Course: cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 1 minute
Servings: 24

Notes

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
  • ⅓ cup (105 g) jam or preserves (any flavor, raspberry recommended)
 
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Dough
    Beat the softened butter in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer) until creamy. Scrape down the sides, then add the granulated and brown sugar. Beat until fully combined (30–60 seconds). Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. The dough will appear crumbly—pause to scrape the bowl as needed. If necessary, use your hands to bring the dough together.
  3. Shape and Chill the Dough
    Scoop out the dough and roll it into 1-tablespoon-sized balls, ensuring they are smooth and crack-free. If desired, roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place them on a wax-paper-lined plate or baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indent in the center of each cookie. Transfer to the freezer and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Fill and Bake
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the jam for 5–10 seconds until easy to stir. Fill each cookie indent with jam. Arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 11 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
  5. Cool and Enjoy
    Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
 
Tips & Notes:
  • The dough may seem dry, but avoid adding extra liquid—just press it together.
  • Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading while baking.
  • For a neat finish, smooth out thumbprints before baking and re-indent slightly after baking if needed.
 
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g |
 Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g |
 Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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