Discover the joy of thumbprint cookies – delectable treats with a buttery texture and a surprise filling at their center. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. Let’s delve into the wonderful world of thumbprint cookies and unlock the magic of homemade baking.
Terrific Thumbprint Cookies
This thumbprint cookie recipe combines a buttery cookie base with a variety of sweet fillings, creating a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll be able to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies to enjoy and share with loved ones.
Equipment
- 1 Electric mixer
- 1 Baking sheets
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Cookie scoop
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs separated
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the egg yolks (reserve the egg whites for later) and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the reserved egg whites with a fork.
- Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg whites. This step helps create a shiny finish on the baked cookies.
- Fill each indentation with your choice of filling, such as jam, chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or any other desired filling.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy your delicious thumbprint cookies with a glass of milk or cup of coffee! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Gentle Indentations – Press gently to create indentations to prevent dough cracking or spreading.
- Reshaping After Baking – If indentations lose shape, reshape immediately after baking.
- Avoid Overfilling – Don’t overfill to prevent spillage or burning during baking.
what to serve with the thumbprint cookies?
Thumbprint cookies pair well with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing their flavor and providing a delightful contrast. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside thumbprint cookies:
- Hot Beverages: Serve thumbprint cookies with a hot beverage such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting treat.
- Cold Beverages: Pair thumbprint cookies with a cold beverage like milk, iced coffee, or iced tea for a refreshing combination.
- Ice Cream: Serve thumbprint cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is irresistible.
- Whipped Cream: Accompany thumbprint cookies with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for added richness and creaminess.
how long will the cookies stay fresh?
- Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, thumbprint cookies can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
- Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can cause the cookies to become stale more quickly.
- If storing in the refrigerator, place the cookies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store for up to a week.
- For longer-term storage, freeze thumbprint cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Frozen thumbprint cookies can last for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving, and be aware that their texture and flavor may change slightly after freezing and thawing.