Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a charming twist on a classic treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Soft buttery dough meets a sweet jam filling in a delicate heart shape, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

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 the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and salt, blending 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 the cookies 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

• For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, mixed and set for 5 minutes).
• Try different jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for varying flavors.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make handling easier and improve cookie shape.
• Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter for the indent instead of pressing with your thumb for uniformity.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If filled with jam, keep them refrigerated to prevent spoilage, and allow to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend, keeping in mind the dough consistency might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the indentations from disappearing during baking?

Make sure to press twice to form a deep-enough heart shape before baking and reshape the indentations gently while the cookies are still warm if needed.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

Delight in these charming Thumbprint Heart Cookies, buttery and soft with a sweet jam-filled center that adds a burst of fruity flavor. Perfect for festive occasions or a simple homemade treat, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly cute.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 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

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on high speed, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough binds properly and has a subtle aroma.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, blending until a soft dough forms without overmixing, which could toughen the cookies.
5. Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow room for spreading.
6. Create Heart Indents: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each dough ball twice, creating a heart-shaped indentation to hold the jam filling.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
8. Cool and Reshape: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If the indents have filled in during baking, carefully reshape them while they’re still warm.
9. Fill with Jam: Once cookies are completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center to finish.

Notes

• Use your favorite flavors of jam such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for different fruity twists.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative.
• Ensure the dough is not too warm when rolling to maintain shape during baking.
• If desired, you can decorate with a light dusting of powdered sugar after filling.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, heart cookies, jam cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe