Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of pure delight with these heavenly Butter and Jam Thumbprints! Imagine biting into a buttery, tender cookie with a sweet, vibrant jam center that literally bursts with flavor - these aren't just cookies, they're edible works of art that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these classic American treats are guaranteed to impress everyone from family gatherings to fancy tea parties.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make 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 fruit jam, ensuring it doesn't overflow.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- 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 cooled, the jam will set, and the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this creates the perfect cookie texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and consistent results.
- When making the thumbprint indentation, be gentle to prevent cookie cracks.
- Choose high-quality jam with intense fruit flavor for the best results.
- Don't overfill the jam centers - a small amount prevents overflow during baking.
- Let cookies cool completely to allow the jam to set properly.
- Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for variety.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
