Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a sweet jam-filled center, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. These cookies combine a rich, soft dough with a vibrant fruit jam filling, making them a timeless favorite.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
- 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.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together without overworking it.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill the Indentation: Spoon approximately ½ teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into the indentation of each cookie, ensuring the jam does not overflow the edges.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and prevents breaking.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once fully cooled, serve your delicious Butter Thumbprint Cookies at your holiday gatherings or as a delightful everyday treat.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Use room temperature butter for proper creaming and texture.
- Measure ingredients precisely for consistent results.
- Chill the dough before baking to reduce spreading.
- Use high-quality butter to enhance flavor.
- Cookies stay fresh for 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
- These cookies can be frozen both before and after baking for up to 3 months.
- Try different jams or fillings like chocolate ganache, salted caramel, or Nutella for variation.
- Use gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to make gluten-free versions.
- Children can help shape and fill cookies but should be supervised near the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: butter thumbprint cookies, jam-filled cookies, holiday cookies, classic cookie recipe, easy cookies, festive treats