Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a charming and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery dough meets a sweet burst of jam right in the center, creating a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/4 cup jam of choice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on high until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and salt, and blend until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1½ inches apart.
6. Step 6: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball twice to form a heart-shaped indent.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If the indentations have filled in, gently reshape them while still warm.
9. Step 9: Once completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center.

Tips & Variations

• Use a variety of jams such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for different flavors and colors.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help the cookies keep their shape better while baking.
• Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Before serving, bring them to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for a soft texture. Avoid freezing after adding the jam to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the jam from spreading or running during baking?

Wait to add the jam until the cookies have completely cooled after baking. Adding jam before baking can cause it to spread or burn.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 345 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are delightful buttery treats perfect for sharing with loved ones. Soft and tender with a sweet jam filling nestled in a charming heart-shaped indentation, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Simple to make and baked to golden perfection, they are ideal for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to spread a little love through your baking.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1/4 cup jam of choice (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step creates a smooth base for the dough.
3. Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture by mixing until everything is fully blended, ensuring a uniform batter.
4. Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Shape dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Space them about 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
6. Create heart-shaped indentations: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon twice into the center of each dough ball to form a distinctive heart-shaped well for the jam filling.
7. Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooked through.
8. Cool slightly and reshape indentations: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. If any of the heart indentations have filled in during baking, gently press them again to maintain their shape while the cookies are still warm.
9. Add the jam filling: After the cookies have completely cooled on a wire rack, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center to finish these charming treats.

Notes

• For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, substitute butter with a plant-based spread and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• Choose your favorite jam flavor to customize the cookies to your taste preferences.
• Make sure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
• Do not overfill the indentations with jam, as it may overflow during serving.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, heart cookies, jam cookies, holiday cookies, Valentine’s Day treats, easy baking, butter cookies