Ingredients
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3 c. assorted jams, for filling cookies
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 350º and line two baking sheets with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.Step 2In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla, then add dry ingredients in two batches until incorporated. Step 3Using a small cookie scoop, scoop 1” balls onto prepared baking sheets. Press a thumbprint into center of each ball, 1/2” deep. Fill with a small spoonful of jam. Step 4Bake until edges of cookies are golden, 13 to 14 minutes. Cool on baking sheets before serving.
How do I avoid my thumbprints cracking or spreading? It’s true—this dough is firm, almost like a shortbread, so to make sure it doesn’t crack, roll it into balls until smooth and firm, and then gently press your thumb in the center to make sure it doesn’t crack. Gently. To avoid any spreading, make sure you’re accurately measuring your butter! Too much butter—or not enough flour—will cause your cookies to spread too much in the oven, messing up their adorable, dainty shape. What should I fill them with? You can use any jam your heart desires! Our favorites are raspberry (always a crowd-pleaser) and apricot, but strawberry jam, blackberry jam, blueberry jam, and orange marmalade all work. If you want to go slightly more savory, even cranberry sauce or tomato jam will work! Can I refrigerate this dough ahead of time? Absolutely. You can refrigerate it either before or after forming your thumbprints. Just make sure you cover it tightly so the dough doesn’t dry out—dry dough leads to cracking! Can I freeze thumbprints? For sure! If you want to freeze the dough, go ahead and scoop out the dough and make the thumb imprint in it beforehand. Wrap them up tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, fill the centers with your preferred jam and bake from frozen. The cookies will likely need a few extra minutes when baking from frozen. How should I store my thumbprint cookies? These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to one month. Thaw out at room temperature when ready to enjoy! Tried making this amazing holiday confection? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
