Thumbprint Cookies: The Ultimate Best Recipe

These thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture paired with a sweet jam center makes them truly irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 stick butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk (reserve the egg white to brush over the tops for a glossy finish, if desired)
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional; feel free to use any nut of your choice)
• 1/2 cup jam, preserves, or spread of your choice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you are.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir until well mixed, then set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates a soft and tender cookie.
4. Add Vanilla and Egg Yolk: Mix in the vanilla extract and the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined, creating a soft dough.
6. Add Nuts (Optional): If using walnuts or other nuts, gently fold them into the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies: Roll small spoonfuls of dough into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Press the Thumbprint: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
9. Add Jam: Fill each indentation with about a half-teaspoon of jam, preserves, or your chosen spread.
10. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade thumbprint cookies! Perfect for tea time or as a gift for friends and family.