Description
These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly sweetened with a touch of jam nestled in heart-shaped indentations. Easy to make and ideal for gifting or special occasions, these charming cookies combine a classic sugar cookie base with a fruity jam filling that adds a delightful burst of flavor and color.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/4 cup jam of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is thoroughly combined and smooth, providing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Create Heart Indentations: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each dough ball twice to form distinct heart-shaped indentations that will hold the jam.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, signaling they are done.
- Cool and Reshape Indentations: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If the indentations have filled in during baking, reshape the heart centers gently while warm.
- Fill with Jam: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative.
- Use seedless jam to prevent seeds from affecting the texture of the filling.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can make handling easier and reduce spreading during baking.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Try different jam flavors such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: thumbprint cookies, heart cookies, jam cookies, easy cookie recipe, Valentine's Day cookies, buttery cookies
