Best 2 Perfect Thumbprint Cookies Recipes

Indulge in the delightful world of thumbprint cookies, a timeless classic that captivates taste buds with its irresistible combination of crumbly shortbread crust and a burst of sweet, fruity filling. These bite-sized treats, also known as butter cookies or filled cookies, have a rich history dating back centuries, with variations found across cultures and cuisines. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a culinary journey through the realm of thumbprint cookies, exploring different recipes that showcase the versatility and endless possibilities of this beloved confection. From traditional fillings like raspberry jam and tangy lemon curd to unique combinations like salted caramel and nutty Nutella, these recipes cater to every palate and occasion. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure and create a batch of thumbprint cookies that will leave a lasting impression on your family and friends.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

THUMBPRINT COOKIES I

Thumbprint Cookies I image

I usually make these around Christmas.

Provided by C. Keith

Categories Desserts Cookies Thumbprint Cookie Recipes

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

½ cup butter, softened
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
⅔ cup any flavor fruit jam
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
Separate egg, reserving egg white. Cream butter or margarine, sugar, and egg yolk.
Add vanilla, flour and salt, mixing well.
Shape dough into balls. Roll in egg white, then walnuts. Place on cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 5 minutes.
Remove cookies from oven. With thumb, dent each cookie. Put jelly or preserves in each thumbprint. Bake for another 8 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.6 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 35.8 mg, Fat 9.8 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 116 mg, Sugar 13.1 g

PERFECT THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Perfect Thumbprint Cookies image

My mother, Pauline, made really nice thumbprint cookies, but I never wrote down her recipe. I knew the ingredients, but unless you have the right proportions, you won't get that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. So, I did an image search and found a recipe that looked very similar, credited to a great-grandma named Mitzi. Since my last name is Mitzewich, that pretty much sealed the deal. In case you can't decide between a shortbread-focused cookie and a more jammy one, here's how to make both.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Desserts Cookies Thumbprint Cookie Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
⅓ cup unsifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon almond extract
¼ teaspoon fine salt
1 large egg yolk
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup white sugar, or as needed
½ cup fruit jam, divided
1 cup powdered sugar, or as needed
1 tablespoon milk, or as needed

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Mix butter and powdered sugar together with a rubber spatula until creamy. Add vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, and egg yolk. Mix with the spatula. Add flour and blend until just combined.
Use a sorbet scoop to portion dough into 1/2-ounce (1-tablespoon) balls. Roll balls in a plate of white sugar to coat; roll again between your palms. Place several inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet. Flatten balls lightly with your fingers.
To make shortbread cookies with a little jam, poke a well into each cookie using the end of a thick wooden spoon dusted with powdered sugar or using one of your fingers. Fill cookies with fruit jam. Tap baking sheet against the counter to let jam settle.
Bake in the preheated oven until tops are barely blonde and bottoms are slightly golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before icing.
Meanwhile, mix powdered sugar with a little milk until you have a consistency that will hold its shape when piped. Pipe icing on top of cookies in a zigzag pattern. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
For a more jam-forward cookie, press your thumb into the cookies to make large, shallow indentations. Spoon in jam. Tap baking sheet against the counter.
Bake until not quite golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let rest on pan for 5 minutes before transferring a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138.9 calories, Carbohydrate 22.8 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Fat 4.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 33.2 mg, Sugar 15.1 g

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your cookies. Use real butter, not margarine, and use good-quality jam or preserves.

Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.

Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.

Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. This will help you get evenly sized cookies.

Bake the cookies until the edges are just beginning to brown. Overbaking will make the cookies dry and crumbly.

Let the cookies cool completely before filling them. This will help prevent the jam or preserves from seeping out.

Conclusion:

Thumbprint cookies are a classic cookie that is always a hit with everyone. They are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors of jam or preserves. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a holiday party. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cookie, give these thumbprint cookies a try.