Description
These Heart Jam Thumbprint Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat! With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet burst of jam, they make a perfect treat for any occasion—Valentine’s Day, tea parties, or a fun baking project with kids. They’re simple to prepare but look wonderfully elegant, making them a crowd favorite every time.
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Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or any favorite)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press into the center of each ball to form an indentation.
- To create a heart shape, use the tip of a skewer or your fingers to pinch the indentation into a point at the bottom, then shape the top into a rounded heart.
Step 3: Fill with Jam
- Spoon a small amount of jam into the heart-shaped indentations. Be careful not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, refrigerate it briefly.
- Choose a Thick Jam: Thicker jams or preserves work best as they won’t spread too much during baking.
- Make Ahead: Shape and freeze the unbaked cookies for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American