Nothing says festive quite like Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies! These rich and chocolatey cookies, with their jewel-like jam centers, are perfect for holiday celebrations or any occasion where you want to add a touch of sweetness and color.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup apricot jam
1/2 cup strawberry jam (or other jams of your choice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until creamy and fluffy.
Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Use different jam flavors to create variety.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep and Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, including cooling
Tips for Success
Don’t Overfill the Indentations: Too much jam may overflow during baking.
Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Experiment with Fillings: Try Nutella, caramel, or even lemon curd for a fun twist!
