Jam Thumbprint Cookies
In short: Tender butter cookies with a thumbprint dent filled with raspberry or apricot jam, baked until the edges are golden and the jam is glossy. It takes about 42 min in total and makes 24 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 17 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 42 min
- Servings
- 24
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 110 kcal
Thumbprint cookies are small butter cookies with a dent in the middle that holds a spoonful of jam. The dough is tender and close to shortbread, and the jam turns glossy and lightly caramelized in the oven. Any thick jam works, so they are a good way to finish half-empty jars. Keep the cookies small, about the size of a walnut, because the filling stays soft and spills easily from big ones.
Instructions
- Beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest for 2 minutes until pale and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Put the rolling sugar in a small bowl.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls of about 20 g and roll each one in the sugar. Place them 4 cm (1 1/2 in) apart on the sheets.
- Press the center of each ball with your thumb or the rounded back of a 1/2-teaspoon measure to make a deep well. Pinch together any cracks around the rim.
- Bake for 8 minutes, until the edges just start to color. Take the sheets out and press the wells deeper with the spoon.
- Fill each well with about 3/4 teaspoon of jam. Return the sheets to the oven for 8 to 9 minutes, until the edges are golden and the jam is bubbling. Cool on the sheets for 10 minutes, then move to a rack.
Tips
- Use a thick, fruit-heavy jam. Runny jam bubbles over and burns on the tray, so simmer a loose jam for 3 minutes in a small pan and cool it first.
- Instead of sugar, brush the balls with a little egg white and roll them in finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy coat.
Questions and answers
Why do my thumbprint cookies crack when I press them?
The dough is probably too cold or dry. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then press gently and pinch any cracks closed with your fingertips.
Can I fill thumbprint cookies with something other than jam?
Yes. Try lemon curd, caramel sauce or a spoonful of hazelnut cocoa spread. Add soft fillings after baking if they would not hold their shape in the oven.
How long do jam thumbprint cookies keep?
They keep for 4 days in an airtight container. You can freeze the unfilled baked cookies for 2 months and fill them after thawing.
How long does it take to make Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
About 42 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 17 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
About 110 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 110 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
