Imagine a delicate, buttery cookie that crumbles perfectly in your mouth, with a burst of sweet jam hidden in its center - that's the magic of Mon Petit Choxs Thumbprint Cookies! These classic French treats are not just cookies; they're a miniature culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a moment of pure joy. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, these elegant cookies will impress your family, friends, and even yourself with their irresistible charm and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 20 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup jam (any flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough should be slightly crumbly but able to hold together when pressed.
- Roll the dough into small, uniform balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie, being careful not to crack the edges.
- Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam, taking care not to overfill.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, the cookies can be served or stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest base that ensures your cookies have the perfect texture.
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- When creating the thumbprint, use the back of a small measuring spoon for more uniform indentations.
- Choose high-quality jam with good flavor intensity - raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work wonderfully.
- Don't overfill the jam centers; a small amount prevents overflow and creates a neater presentation.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg