Are you looking for the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these delightful Thumbprint Cookies! With their buttery texture, sweet jam filling, and irresistible taste, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these Thumbprint Cookies are guaranteed to impress. Join us as we explore the ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this classic cookie recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons (40 grams) for rolling the cookies
- 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 strawberry or apricot jam
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the room temperature egg yolks and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the salt and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Create Thumbprints: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of strawberry or apricot jam into the center of each cookie, filling the thumbprint indentation.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Experiment with Different Jams: While strawberry and apricot jam are classic choices for thumbprint cookies, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach.
- Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness and decoration, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
- Nuts and Seeds: For added texture and flavor, roll the cookie dough balls in chopped nuts or seeds before baking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: To make keto-friendly thumbprint cookies, substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use a sugar-free jam or make your own using low-carb fruits.
Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar. Ensure the jam you use is also low in sugar or opt for a sugar-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to adjust the amount of salt added to the cookie dough accordingly.
Q: How should I store thumbprint cookies? A: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.
In conclusion, Thumbprint Cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and burst of fruity jam flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these Thumbprint Cookies are sure to please. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats. So why wait? Get baking and indulge in the irresistible goodness of homemade Thumbprint Cookies today!
