Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines sweet, fruity flavors with a charming aesthetic, then I invite you to try my Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in no time! I love how the buttery cookie complements the vibrant strawberry jam, making each bite a burst of sunshine. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies have quickly become a family favorite in my home.
When I first baked these Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared! The combination of buttery cookie and fruity jam is simply irresistible. I tried different jams, but nothing beats the fresh taste of strawberry. It's a great way to celebrate the berry season!
I recommend chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This little tip helped the cookies maintain their shape and get that lovely golden color. Once cooled, the cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy tea parties.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- The perfect sweet balance of buttery cookie and fruity jam
- Easy to make, even for baking novices
- A whimsical touch for any gathering or tea time
Perfecting Your Dough
The key to achieving the perfect texture for your Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies lies in the creaming method. Make sure your butter is at room temperature, allowing it to incorporate air as you cream it with the sugar. This will yield a light and fluffy dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until just combined after adding the flour and salt. You want a slightly sticky but workable dough that holds its shape when rolled into balls.
If you find that your dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the butter firm up slightly, making it easier to shape. Just be mindful not to chill it for too long, as it can become too hard to work with. A gentle mix after chilling can also help restore the dough's flexibility.
Choosing the Right Jam
The type of strawberry jam you choose can significantly impact the flavor of your cookies. Opt for a high-quality, fruit-forward jam with minimal additives to highlight the natural sweetness of strawberries. If you prefer a fresher taste, consider making your own jam, which can be stored and used as a filling for future batches. Alternatively, this recipe is versatile; you can substitute strawberry jam with other berry jams like raspberry or blueberry for a different twist on flavor.
When filling the thumbprint indentations with jam, be careful not to overfill them. A heaping teaspoon can cause the jam to overflow while baking, leading to a messy result. A precise amount, about 1/2 teaspoon, ensures that the jam stays contained, creating a beautiful and appealing thumbprint that holds its shape during baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough
In a large 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 just combined.
Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in each cookie.
Fill with Jam
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips
- For a fun twist, try other flavors of jam, such as raspberry or apricot. These cookies also freeze well, making them great for batch baking.
Storage and Freezing Tips
To keep your Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them quickly, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, which will revive their buttery texture and make them taste freshly baked.
Serving Ideas
These thumbprint cookies make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter or coffee break. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruits or whipped cream for an elegant dessert that impresses your guests without requiring additional effort.
For a fun presentation at gatherings or holiday events, consider dusting the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You could also drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top for a decadent twist that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite jams like raspberry or peach for different flavor profiles.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
→ Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking to help them keep their shape.
→ Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time, shape it into balls, and freeze them. Just bake when you are ready to enjoy fresh cookies.
Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines sweet, fruity flavors with a charming aesthetic, then I invite you to try my Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in no time! I love how the buttery cookie complements the vibrant strawberry jam, making each bite a burst of sunshine. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies have quickly become a family favorite in my home.
Created by: Fiona Carter
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large 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 just combined.
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in each cookie.
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Extra Tips
- For a fun twist, try other flavors of jam, such as raspberry or apricot. These cookies also freeze well, making them great for batch baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g