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Jam Thumbprint Cookies That Just Channel Nostalgia


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Buttery Bliss : The rich, crumbly shortbread melts in your mouth.
  2. Sweet Jam Center : A burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
  3. Easy & Classic : Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a nostalgic treat.
  4. Customizable : Use your favorite jam flavors like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd.
  5. Perfect for Sharing : These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious—ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 24–30 cookies

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup jam (your choice of flavor—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)
  • Optional : Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  2. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. If the cookies crack slightly, use your fingers to smooth the edges.

Step 4: Add the Jam

  1. Spoon a small amount of jam into the indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread slightly during baking.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes , until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch

  1. Dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.