Thumbprint Jam Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery shortbread and sweet strawberry jelly, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. These adorable heart-shaped cookies not only look delightful, but they also taste amazing. The buttery texture combined with the rich flavor of the jelly creates a unique dessert experience that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into this easy thumbprint cookie recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Thumbprint Jam Cookies
There are countless reasons to adore these thumbprint cookies. First, they are incredibly simple to make, perfect for beginners. Second, the heart shape makes them a charming addition to any holiday or special event. Third, you can customize the filling based on your preferences, using different flavors of fruit jam cookies. Fourth, they are ideal for sharing with friends and family. Fifth, they can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later, making them a convenient treat. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, allowing everyone to indulge!
Ingredients for Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 stick butter (softened slice and let rest at room temperature for best results)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 teaspoons strawberry jelly (smooth and runny not jam with fruit pieces)
How to Make Thumbprint Jam Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat to prevent spreading.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on high until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Gradually stream in the sugar while continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the flour and salt evenly over the dough and mix with the electric mixer just until the dough starts to come together. It may seem crumbly, but use your hands to bring it together.
- Step 6: Scoop 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Lightly flour your pinky finger and gently press it sideways into each dough ball to form half of a heart shape. Repeat with more flour to form the second half.
- Step 8: Use a 1/4 teaspoon to place jelly in the center of each heart, about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly per cookie.
- Step 9: Chill the cookies in the fridge for 1 hour to set the shape. Do not skip this step!
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan.
- Step 11: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them, as they are delicate while warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature butter for a better texture.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Experiment with different fruit jam cookies to find your favorite flavor.
- For a richer taste, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Best Ways to Serve Thumbprint Jam Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for various occasions. Serve them at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or as a simple after-dinner treat. Pair them with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also create a beautiful dessert platter by mixing them with other jam-filled cookies and treats.
How to Store and Reheat Thumbprint Jam Cookies
To keep your homemade thumbprint jam cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thumbprint Jam Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Thumbprint Jam Cookies?
The secret lies in using the right texture of butter and chilling the dough. This prevents spreading and ensures that your cookies maintain their shape while baking. The best jam for thumbprint cookies also plays a crucial role in achieving the ideal flavor.
Can I make Thumbprint Jam Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and then bake the cookies right before serving. Alternatively, you can bake them and store them in an airtight container for a few days.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Thumbprint Jam Cookies?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that the butter is softened properly and the dough is not overmixed. Additionally, using the correct type of jelly will help achieve the desired outcome.
Variations of Thumbprint Jam Cookies You Can Try
If you want to get creative, consider making peanut butter thumbprint cookies by adding peanut butter to the dough or using chocolate instead of strawberry jelly. For a vegan version, swap the egg with flaxseed meal. You can also explore gluten-free options by using almond or coconut flour.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Energy Bites or try our Reindeer Cookies with Jam. If you’re interested in other cookie variations, you might enjoy Eggnog Cookies with Cinnamon or Christmas Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars.
Print
Thumbprint Jam Cookies: 10 Irresistible Heart-Shaped Treats
- Total Time: 92 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery shortbread cookies are filled with sweet strawberry jelly and shaped into adorable hearts, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (softened slice and let rest at room temperature for best results)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 teaspoons strawberry jelly (smooth and runny not jam with fruit pieces)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat to prevent spreading.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on high until light and fluffy.
- Gradually stream in the sugar while continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Sprinkle the flour and salt evenly over the dough and mix with the electric mixer just until the dough starts to come together. It may seem crumbly, but use your hands to bring it together.
- Scoop 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet.
- Lightly flour your pinky finger and gently press it sideways into each dough ball to form half of a heart shape. Repeat with more flour to form the second half.
- Use a 1/4 teaspoon to place jelly in the center of each heart, about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly per cookie.
- Chill the cookies in the fridge for 1 hour to set the shape. Do not skip this step!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them, as they are delicate while warm.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 83
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg