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What are Thumbprint Cookies?
Thumbprint cookies are classic sugar cookies with a jam-filled center. To make them, the cookie dough is first rolled into a ball, then the tops are flattened a little. Next, an indent is made in the center of the cookie and filled with any jam or sweet filling of choice. Finally, the cookie is baked. Thumbprint cookies are said to have originated in Sweden, where they are called “hallongrotta”. This name translates to “raspberry cave” because traditionally, raspberry jam/filling is used to fill the indent or “cave” in the cookie, although any filling is equally delicious.
Ingredients
Thumbprint cookies require simple pantry and refrigerator baking staples (scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements):
Butter – use unsalted butter to control the salt in the recipe Sugar – use granulated sugar to sweeten the cookiesEgg – helps to bind the dough and enriches the cookiesVanilla extract – for the best flavor, use real vanilla extractFlour – all-purpose flour is best for a stable but tender cookie base.Salt – balances the sweetnessPecans – finely chopped and blended into the dough for nutty flavor and textureRaspberry Jam – the traditional choice for thumbprint cookies
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprint cookies use eight ingredients and take only 20 minutes to prepare. Here’s a quick overview before you get baking. Pro Tip: Did you forget to soften your butter? Don’t fret! Quickly soften it using this hack.
Cookie Filling Options
The wonderful thing about thumbprint cookies is that the filling can be changed each time you make the cookies. You can also split the batch and make half with one type of filling and the other half with a separate filling. It’s like a new cookie, but without the hassle. Here is a list of our favorite fillings for thumbprint cookies. If you are planning to use a store-bought filling, be sure to choose a filling with a thicker consistency. If the preserve is very thin, it may not solidify as it should while baking.
Apricot raspberry preservesPlum jamCountry peach preservesStrawberry, blueberry, or raspberry jamLingonberry preservesLemon curdNutella
Tips for the Best Cookies
It’s hard to go wrong with thumbprint cookies because they are so simple and easy to make. Follow these tips to make the process even more enjoyable.
Use a cookie scoop: A small cookie scoop will help you control the size of the dough balls to make them all the same size for even baking. Coat cookies in coarse sugar: Coat each cookie in coarse sugar or turbinado sugar for extra texture and sweetness.Add filling with a piping bag: Use a piping bag to make it easier to perfectly fill the center of the cookies with jam. Alternatively, add jam into a ziplock bag and cut off a small corner for the jam to squeeze through. Make indents right away: Make the indents as soon as you roll the dough into smooth rounds and gently flatten the tops. This will help prevent the cookie from cracking.
Pro Tip: Use the leftover egg white to make an egg white omelet and you’ll feel even better about eating your cookies!
Common Questions
Storing Thumbprint Cookies
Storing at Room Temperature: Thumbprint cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep the container closed to prevent the cookies from drying out. To Freeze Cookies: The cookies can also be frozen in a freezer bag for three months, but make sure to freeze them after they have been baked. Thaw cookies to room temperature before enjoying. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw the frozen dough in the fridge before shaping and filling the cookies with jam.
More Cookie Recipes
Snowball CookiesOatmeal Raisin CookiesPeanut Butter CookiesChocolate Crinkle CookiesKolaczki (Polish) Cookies European Peach Cookies
