Introduction
Strawberry jam thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat that combines the buttery richness of cookies with the sweet, tangy burst of strawberry jam. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also simple to make, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or a charming afternoon snack. The thumbprint design creates a wonderful pocket for the jam, making each bite a delicious experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Butter, softened – 1 cup
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
Brown sugar – 1/2 cup
Egg yolk – 1
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour – 2 1/4 cups
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
Strawberry jam – 1/2 cup
Prep Time
The preparation time for strawberry jam thumbprint cookies is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and mixing them together to form the cookie dough.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cookies require around 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. This process usually takes around 3-4 minutes.
Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat the mixture until it is well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
Make the Thumbprint Indentation
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. Make sure the indent is deep enough to hold the jam but not so deep that it breaks through the bottom.
Fill with Jam
Spoon in your desired strawberry jam into each indentation, filling it just to the top.
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage
Store the thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Jam Variety
Feel free to substitute strawberry jam with any other fruit jam of your choice.
Cookie Texture
For chewier cookies, try to avoid overbaking them; keep an eye on them at the 12-minute mark.
Butter Tips
Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for better creaming results.
Optional Topping
For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar after they cool.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Dough
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.
Chilling the Dough
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Shaping the Cookies
Use a teaspoon or your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each cookie before baking. This will hold the jam beautifully.
Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Storing the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days.
FAQ
Can I use other types of jam for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with any other flavor of your choice, such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but it may alter the flavor slightly. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they are fully cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can add vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for additional flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can also add a nice touch.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly marry soft, buttery cookies with sweet, tart strawberry jam. They are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to eat. Baking these cookies can be a fun activity, and they make for an excellent addition to any gathering or celebration.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Try filling thumbprint cookies with creamy peanut butter and a dollop of chocolate ganache for a rich flavor combination.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
For a refreshing twist, use tangy lemon curd as the filling, providing a burst of citrus flavor that pairs nicely with the buttery cookie base.
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry preserves, and add a hint of almond extract to the cookie dough for an elegant twist.
Coconut Macaroon Thumbprint Cookies
Infuse your thumbprint cookies with shredded coconut in the dough and fill with a creamy coconut cream for tropical goodness.
Matcha Green Tea Thumbprint Cookies
Incorporate matcha powder into the cookie dough and use a sweetened red bean paste or white chocolate ganache for the filling to create a unique flavor experience.
