Easy Valentine’s Day Thumbprint Cookies

Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and what better way to do that than with a batch of homemade cookies? These easy Valentine’s Day thumbprint cookies are buttery, sweet, and filled with a fruity jam center that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a treat for someone special or a festive snack for yourself, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the day of love.

What Are Thumbprint Cookies?

Thumbprint cookies are a classic treat made by pressing an indentation into soft dough and filling it with jam, chocolate, or other fillings. They’re delightfully simple to prepare and can be customized with various flavors, making them ideal for any occasion—especially Valentine’s Day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or special equipment required.
  • Perfect for Valentine’s Day: The bright jam center and powdered sugar dusting add a festive touch.
  • Customizable: Swap the jam for your favorite flavor or add a chocolate filling.
  • Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project for little helpers.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (160g) strawberry or raspberry jam
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, combining thoroughly.

Forming the Cookies

  1. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  2. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Adding the Jam Filling

  1. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball.
  2. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.

Baking

  1. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Finishing Touch

  1. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive look.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a cozy Valentine’s Day treat. Pair them with other festive sweets like chocolate truffles or heart-shaped candies for a delightful dessert spread.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Keep them in a cool, dry place to preserve their texture and flavor.

Freezing Instructions

  • To freeze unbaked cookies, shape the dough balls and create the indentations. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add the jam and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
  • To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Different Jam Flavors: Use apricot, cherry, or blueberry jam for variety.
  • Chocolate Filling: Replace the jam with melted chocolate or a dollop of hazelnut spread.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
  • Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a zesty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from being overly salty.

Why did my cookies crack when I pressed the indentations?
If the dough is too cold, it may crack. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before forming the cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with vegan butter, use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), and ensure the jam is vegan-friendly.

These Valentine’s Day thumbprint cookies are a simple yet charming way to show your love through baking. With their buttery texture and fruity filling, they’re bound to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Easy Valentine’s Day Thumbprint Cookies


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

Description

 

These Valentine’s Day thumbprint cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with a sweet jam center, making them the perfect treat to share with your loved ones. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite flavors, these cookies are a festive and delicious addition to your celebration.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (160g) strawberry or raspberry jam
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract, combining thoroughly.
  • Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each ball.
  • Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  • Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • (Optional) Dust with powdered sugar once cooled for a festive touch.

Notes

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookies after shaping and add jam just before baking. Or freeze fully baked cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Variations: Try different jam flavors like apricot or blueberry, or use melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: ~110 per cookie
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