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Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies for Sweet Holiday Moments

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a must-try holiday treat, featuring a buttery shortbread base and your choice of jam.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Ensures a rich, tender cookie; let it soften before mixing.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and fluffy texture for the perfect cookie base.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; swap with a gluten-free blend for an alternative.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness; don’t skip this essential ingredient.
For the Filling
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fruit Jam Thick jams like raspberry or apricot are perfect to prevent runniness.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing gently until just combined.
  4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and create an indentation with your thumb.
  5. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam into each indentation.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, then let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Avoid overworking the dough and use thick jams to prevent overflow during baking. Store cookies in an airtight container for optimal freshness.