Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- 260-280g all-purpose flour
- 226g butter (softened, about 8 oz or 1 stick)
- 2 egg yolks (at room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla (½ vanilla paste, ½ extract for depth)
- 1-2 tbsp honey (for subtle sweetness and chewiness)
- ½ tsp salt
- 30g powdered sugar (for just enough sweetness)
Filling
- Your favorite jam (such as strawberry, blueberry, apricot)
- Optional: peanut butter, chocolate spread, or date paste for alternative fillings
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and honey until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Sift in the flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough comes together without overworking it.
- Chill the Dough:
- Roll the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
- Shape and Fill:
- Remove the dough from the fridge and press a small indent into each ball with your thumb or a spoon. Fill each indent with a small dollop of jam or filling of choice.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes. Watch for a light golden color on the edges; they should be set but still soft in the center for a slightly chewy texture. Avoid over-baking to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips and Notes
-
Why Add Honey?
A touch of honey goes a long way in these cookies! Honey not only adds a subtle floral sweetness but also helps retain moisture, giving your cookies a soft, slightly chewy texture. This means you get that melt-in-your-mouth feel without needing a lot of powdered sugar. -
The Secret of Vanilla Paste
Vanilla paste is the magic touch in this recipe. Unlike extract, it’s made with real vanilla bean seeds, which bring a depth and warmth to the cookies. Those tiny vanilla specks also add a beautiful, rustic look! -
Avoid Overbaking
Thumbprint cookies can go from soft to crumbly in minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 9-minute mark, and look for a light golden edge. Overbaking can make them dry and lose that delicate, buttery texture—so a few minutes less is better than a few too many! -
Personalize the Fillings!
Jam is classic, but these cookies are a blank canvas. Try peanut butter, chocolate spread, or even a little dollop of Nutella. Mix and match fillings to make each bite a surprise!
