Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe
Jam Drops, also known as Thumbprint Cookies, are delightful buttery cookies filled with your choice of fruit jam. These classic treats combine a tender, crumbly cookie base with a sweet burst of jam, making them perfect for teatime or festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/3 cup (100g) fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until just combined and dough forms.
- Form the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie ball, creating a well for the jam.
- Fill with Jam: Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation, taking care not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the jam is set. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and maintain shape.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and cookie texture.
- You can substitute fruit jam with lemon curd or chocolate spread for variation.
- Do not overfill jam to prevent it from spilling over during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Keywords: jam drops, thumbprint cookies, buttery cookies, jam-filled cookies, classic cookies, baked cookies, dessert cookies
