Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of pure delight with these mouthwatering Thumbprint Cookies! Imagine biting into a buttery, soft cookie with a surprise burst of fruity jam and a luxurious brown sugar icing that will make your dessert dreams come true. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are about to become your new obsession – so grab your apron and let's create some cookie magic that'll have everyone begging for your recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam or preserves
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Beat in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a deep indentation in the center of each cookie, being careful not to crack the edges.
- Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of jam or preserves, ensuring not to overfill.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the brown sugar icing, whisk together powdered sugar, brown sugar, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the brown sugar icing over the top of the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Allow the icing to set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Tips
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect cookie texture.
- Gentle Thumb Technique: When creating the cookie indentation, use a gentle touch. Press just enough to create a well without cracking the cookie's structure.
- Jam Selection Tip: Use thick, high-quality preserves that won't run during baking. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work wonderfully.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding icing to prevent it from melting or becoming too runny.
- Icing Consistency Hack: Add milk to your icing gradually. You want a drizzle-able consistency that's not too thin or too thick.
- Storage Secret: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making them perfect for advance preparation or gift-giving.Pro Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, try using different flavored jams or adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
