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Thumbprint Cookies

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Thumbprint Cookies are delightful, bite-sized treats with a buttery shortbread base and a sweet jam or chocolate center. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, and cookie exchanges, these cookies are easy to make and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling

  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 and 1/3 cups (290 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled

  • 1/2 cup fruit jam (raspberry, apricot, or your choice)

  • Optional: 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

  • Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

  • Add Egg Yolks and Flavorings: Mix in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

  • Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. It may appear crumbly at first but will form a cohesive dough as you mix.

  • Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If using, roll each ball in granulated sugar and then in finely chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

  • Indent and Fill: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam.

  • Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

  • Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a nut-free version, omit the nuts.Try replacing jam with chocolate ganache, Nutella, or lemon curd for different flavor profiles.To make the cookies festive, roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/thumbprint-cookies/