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The weather has turned cooler, with lazy days and crisp nights ahead. This time of year there is no better way to warm up the house then making a batch of warm cookies in the oven. One of our favorite cookies to make in the fall are Jam Thumbprints.
With a buttery shortbread base and warm jam center, they're perfect with tea or coco, a great dessert or even for breakfast. We recommend using some of our Waterford Bee Company fruit conserves for these cookies .
This recipe yields about 35 cookies. 45 minutes of prep and bake time. You can make your dough earlier and let it firm up more before baking.
INGREDIENTS 1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/3 c. assorted jams, for filling cookies
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350º and line two baking sheets with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla, then add dry ingredients in two batches until incorporated.
Using a small cookie scoop, scoop 1” balls onto prepared baking sheets. Press a thumbprint into center of each ball, 1/2” deep. Fill with a small spoonful of jam.
Bake until edges of cookies are golden, 13 to 14 minutes. Cool on baking sheets before serving.
Common Questions
I'm nervous my thumbprints will crack. How do I avoid that?!
It's true—this dough is firm, almost like a shortbread, so to make sure it doesn't crack, roll it into balls until smooth and firm, and then gently press your thumb in the center Gently.
Does it matter when I add the jam?
Some recipes for thumbprint cookies call to bake the cookie dough before adding the jam, but we like adding the jam pre-bake so that it gets nice and warm and bakes into the dough.
Can I use any flavor of jam or jelly?
Sure can. Our favorites are raspberry, strawberry, elderberry and you can even go spicy with our strawberry jalapeno!
Can I refrigerate this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate it either before or after forming your thumbprints.
Can I freeze thumbprints?
Absolutely! If you want to freeze the dough go ahead and scoop out the dough and make the thumb imprint in it beforehand. Wrap them up tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How should I store my thumbprint cookies.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The buttery cookies do well at staying soft for a few days!