Description
Delightful Buttery Jam Thumbprints deliver sweet comfort with classic cookie charm. Crumbly shortbread bases nestled with fruity preserves promise warmth that draws you into kitchen memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients (Flour, Fat, Sweeteners):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened and sliced
- 1/2–1 cup powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves
Instructions
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixer until pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes on high speed.
- Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts with salt, blending smoothly for 10 seconds while scraping down mixer sides.
- Gradually fold in flour, mixing gently until dough forms a cohesive texture without overmixing.
- Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 45 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
- Portion dough into small spheres, approximately 1-inch in diameter, using gentle rolling motions.
- Create precise indentations in cookie centers using thumb or wooden spoon handle, ensuring uniform depth.
- Carefully fill each cookie depression with fruit preserves, selecting vibrant jam varieties for visual appeal.
- Briefly chill prepared cookies for 5 minutes to maintain structural integrity during baking.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges turn delicately golden and surfaces appear slightly puffy.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
- Once thoroughly cooled, dust cookies with powdered sugar using fine mesh sifter for elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Beat butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, creating a lighter, more tender cookie texture.
- Refrigeration helps prevent spreading and allows flavors to meld, resulting in a more concentrated taste.
- Choose high-quality, thick preserves that won’t run during baking to maintain the thumbprint’s shape and prevent burning.
- Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use alternative sugars for low-glycemic needs.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg