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Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

These Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery and tender, filled with a sweet and tangy jam center, and finished with a delicate almond glaze. Perfect for a festive treat or a cozy afternoon snack, these classic cookies combine a soft crumb with a burst of fruity flavor and a light sugary drizzle.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour

Jam Filling

  • 1/3 cup jam (any flavor)

Almond Glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add flavorings: Incorporate the vanilla extract and salt into the creamed mixture, beating on medium until fully combined.
  3. Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until just combined and the dough begins to form, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Form dough ball and chill: Use your hands to gather the crumbly dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic cling wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  6. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Create thumbprints and add jam: Press an indentation into the center of each ball with your thumb or the back of a small spoon, then carefully fill the indentation with jam without overfilling.
  8. Chill cookies before baking: Place the baking sheet with prepared cookies into the refrigerator while the oven preheats to help maintain their shape during baking.
  9. Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the almond glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency for drizzling.
  11. Glaze cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag with a fine round tip. Let the glaze set for 1-2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For the jam, choose a flavor you love, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
  • Be careful not to overfill the thumbprint indentations to prevent the jam from spilling during baking.
  • Chilling the dough and cookies before baking helps them keep their shape and prevents spreading.
  • Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • The almond glaze adds a lovely nutty sweetness; feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, almond glaze, buttery cookies, classic cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/jam-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/