Strawberry thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly brings together buttery shortbread with the sweet tartness of strawberry jam. If you’re seeking an easy-to-make cookie that boasts both flavor and nostalgia, you’ve hit the jackpot with this recipe. Imagine soft dough that melts in your mouth and a fruity filling that adds a burst of sweetness. These cookies evoke memories of baking in the kitchen with family, creating smiles with every bite. Plus, the ingredient list is super short, making it simple enough for even novice bakers to whip up a batch. By using your favorite jam, you can customize each cookie to your taste, making this treat even more special. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making these irresistible strawberry thumbprint cookies!
Why This Recipe Works
Strawberry thumbprint cookies combine rich, buttery shortbread and sweet-tart strawberry jam, creating an irresistible treat. The balance of soft dough and fruity filling results in mouthwatering cookies suitable for any occasion. Carefully choosing the ingredients ensures a tender texture, while chilling the dough enhances flavors and simplifies the shaping process. The added chill time allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, ultimately leading to delicious results.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are not just a delightful dessert; they evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth that resonate deeply. You might recall sitting in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for them to cool so you could enjoy one fresh out of the oven. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that delights the entire family. Plus, since you can choose between various jams, each bite offers a unique experience. Whether you make them for a festive occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies provide comfort and joy.
Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves of your choice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons water (1.5 teaspoons recommended for consistency)
Mixing the Cookie Dough for Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by using a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it creates the base for the cookie dough.
Add Vanilla and Eggs
Next, incorporate 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, along with 1 egg and 1 egg yolk. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The vanilla adds flavor while the eggs help bind the ingredients, setting you up for success.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in 3 cups of unbleached flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Keep blending until a soft dough forms. Try not to overmix; you want everything combined but still tender.
Chilling the Dough
Now, transfer the cookie dough to a bowl and cover it tightly. It’s time to chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This rest period is essential for easier shaping and a better cookie texture. Plus, your kitchen will fill with the divine aroma of vanilla—a perfect reason to wait!
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and promotes even baking.
Form Cookie Balls
After the chilling time is up, use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to create balls of dough. Roll these balls in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, giving them a sweet coating that amps up the flavor.
Create Thumbprints
Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Then, use your thumb or a 1/2 teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Be gentle, but make sure the indent is deep enough to hold the jam.
Add Jam
Next, fill each thumbprint with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam or whatever fruit preserves you prefer. This step adds the fruity burst that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Bake the Cookies
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake them for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges begin to brown slightly. Once done, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. The smell alone will drive you wild with delight!
Drizzling the Sweet Glaze
Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 1-2 teaspoons of water. Adjust the water based on the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to stick but thin enough to drizzle.
Drizzle Over Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the thumbprints for a sweet finishing touch. This extra layer of sweetness enhances the overall flavor and makes them look inviting.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful afternoon snack, serve your strawberry thumbprint cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make fantastic gifts when packaged in a decorative tin or box. Imagine brightening someone’s day with these cherubic delights!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use butter that’s at room temperature. This ensures easier mixing and contributes to a better-textured cookie.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s vital for preventing your cookies from spreading too much.
Variations
Want to mix things up? You could use raspberry, blueberry, or apricot preserves to change the flavor profile. For an even more exciting treat, consider mixing chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough. Each variation will bring its own charm!
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked cookie balls and bake them as needed. This flexibility is perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
Pairing Ideas
These cookies pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced dessert or snack. And, they go hand-in-hand with creamy vanilla ice cream—an unbeatable combination that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
FAQs
What type of jam should I use?
Any fruit preserve works well, but traditionally, strawberry jam is used in this recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
Don’t worry! You can use a tablespoon or even your hands to form the cookie balls.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer, you can reduce the sugar in the dough slightly or go for a less sweet jam to suit your taste.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but keep in mind that results may vary.
These strawberry thumbprint cookies are simply a delightful treat that blends sweetness and nostalgia seamlessly. Perfect for every occasion, the tender, buttery shortbread and the fruity jam center create a balance that’s hard to resist. Enjoy them with family or relish them as a solitary indulgence; each bite brings warmth and joy. So gather your ingredients and bake a batch—the love and happiness they bring will surely be worth it!
Print
Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
These Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies combine buttery shortbread with sweet-tart jam, making them a nostalgic and delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to make, customizable with your favorite preserves, and perfect for sharing, these cookies are sure to bring smiles.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves of your choice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1–2 teaspoons water (1.5 teaspoons recommended for consistency)
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla, egg, and egg yolk; mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until soft dough forms.
- Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form dough into balls, roll in remaining sugar, and place on baking sheet.
- Create an indentation in each ball and fill with jam.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown, then cool completely.
- Prepare glaze and drizzle over cookies once cooled.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
Do not skip the chilling step to prevent cookies from spreading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
