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Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

These Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth treats filled with your choice of sweet fruit jam. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a delightful cookie with a burst of fruity flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy clean-up and prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press an indentation into the center of each dough ball to create a thumbprint.
  4. Fill the Indentation: Spoon approximately ½ teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into each indentation, taking care not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the cookies are set.
  6. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: Once fully cooled, these butter thumbprint cookies are ready to be enjoyed as a festive treat, perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
  • Ensure the butter is softened but not too melted; room temperature is ideal.
  • Use precise measuring for flour and sugar for consistent results.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and cracking.
  • These cookies stay fresh for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • You can freeze the cookies before or after adding jam; store in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper for up to 3 months.
  • Try variations by adding citrus zest, almond extract, or spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Alternative fillings like chocolate ganache, salted caramel, or Nutella can be used instead of jam.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter cookies, thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, holiday cookies, classic cookie recipe, Christmas cookies

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/classic-butter-thumbprint-cookies-recipe-3/