Thumbprint cookies are a simple, classic cookie for any time of year. In the summer I make these at least once a month for the house, or for my mom to take to work for her co-workers. There is just something classic about a thumbprint cookie that people gravitate towards.
There is no deep family story with these goodies. I didn’t start making these until 2020, mostly because I never saw the joy in it. Complicated desserts are my jam, but the simplicity of these cookies is what made them a fast favorite. Dad-man thinks they are more of a Christmas cookie, while I think they are more for summer. I have not made them as part of my cookie trays, yet; not sure if I will.
I would highly recommend making these if you are just getting into baking or are looking for a quicker butter cookie style cookie. Typically, butter cookies are a time-consuming cookie because of the refrigeration time, but this dough doesn’t have to be refrigerated. It is what I like to call a scoop and go cookie. Scoop the dough, make a depression in the dough and fill with your jam.
Thumbprint Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Stand mixer w/ paddle attachment
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- 1 tbsp spoon cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 c unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 c granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks, room temp
- 1 t vanilla
- 1/4 t salt
- 2-1/3 c flour
- 1/2 c jam or fruit curd
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 deg. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until combined. Mix in yolks, vanilla and salt until combined. Mix in flour.
- Scoop cookies with a 1 tablespoon scoop onto prepared trays. With a rounded teaspoon, indent each ball. Spoon ½ a teaspoon of jam into each indention.
- Bake for 12-14 min or until cookies are set and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 min. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Some of my favorite fillings are lemon curd, raspberry jam, strawberry jam topped with melted dark chocolate, and Christmas jam (or any cranberry orange jam). They save wonderfully in an air tight container: about 5 days.
Thumbprint cookies are a quick and easy cookie to make for a potluck, event or even for yourself. They’re best stored if you wait for them to cool completely before storing them. Great as a sharable snack, but I’m not one to judge if you don’t want to.
