Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of buttery, jam-filled bliss with Aunt Linda's legendary Thumbprint Cookies! These mouthwatering morsels aren't just cookies—they're a nostalgic journey wrapped in a delicate, golden-brown package. With just one bite, you'll understand why this family recipe has been passed down through generations, creating sweet memories and irresistible moments of pure culinary joy.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Once the dough is formed, use your hands to roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. The indentation should be deep enough to hold a small amount of jam or preserves.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your choice of jam or preserves. Popular options include raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy Aunt Linda's Thumbprint Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted—room temperature is key for the perfect cookie texture.
- When creating the thumbprint, use the back of a rounded teaspoon for a more uniform indentation.
- Choose high-quality jam or preserves for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade or artisan preserves work best.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For consistent cookie sizes, use a small cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate spread for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
