Irresistible Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet Delight Recipe

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth, revealing a sweet surprise in the center. Thumbprint cookies are delightful little treats that bring joy to every occasion, with their rich flavor and comforting texture. Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies.

These cookies not only remind me of baking with my grandmother on rainy days but also make any gathering feel special. With a wide variety of fillings from jam to chocolate, the anticipation builds as you wait for these beauties to emerge from the oven.

I once made these thumbprint cookies for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “cookie monster.” For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie dough; use unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter for richness; let it soften at room temperature before using.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives your cookies that delightful sweetness; adjust based on your filling choice.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; light or dark works well depending on your preference.
• Egg Yolk: Only the yolk adds richness and moisture; save the white for another recipe or meringue.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; imitation won’t do your cookies justice.
• Your Choice of Filling (jam, chocolate, etc.): Select your favorite jam or chocolate; go wild with combinations!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure even baking while you prepare the dough.

Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until blended. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Brown Butter Maple Cookies You want it to look like fluffy clouds!

Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The batter should smell heavenly at this point.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix or your cookies may be tough!

Shape Your Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb (or a spoon) to create an indention in each ball—hence the name thumbprint!

Fill Them Up: Spoon in your favorite filling into each indentation, ensuring not to overfill as they might spill over while baking.

Bake Away: Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Cool Down Time: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before indulging in these tasty delights!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To get those thumbprint cookies just right, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. This ensures a light texture. Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Then, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different jams or even chocolate ganache for the thumbprints. Try using almond or peanut butter instead of regular butter to give your cookies a unique twist. Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Storing & Reheating

Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Sometimes I bake these thumbprint cookies for friends’ gatherings, and they disappear faster than my kids can say “cookie monster.” Everyone loves them!

FAQ

Can I use alternative fillings for my thumbprint cookies?

Yes! Nutella or lemon curd work wonderfully as creative fillings.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking; it keeps shapes intact while baking.

What’s the best way to decorate thumbprint cookies?

Add sprinkles or drizzle chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra festive touch.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Thumbprint Cookies

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in these soft, buttery thumbprint cookies that melt in your mouth, each revealing a delightful filling of your choice. Perfect for all occasions, these cookies are not just treats; they’re memories waiting to happen. With a balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness from the fillings, you’ll find them irresistible. Easy to make and fun to customize, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Your choice of filling (e.g., jam, chocolate)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt; set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a lined baking sheet; use your thumb to make an indentation in each ball.
7. Fill each indentation with your chosen filling.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg