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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
