Delectable Thumbprint Cookies Recipe For Your Sweet Cravings

Attention all baking enthusiasts and cookie lovers! Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful and classic recipe for Smucker’s thumbprint cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack.

The buttery shortbread cookie base will melt in your mouth, while the sweet and fruity jam center will bring a burst of flavor in every bite. These cookies are not only easy to make but also customizable with a variety of jams and spreads you can use to fill the thumbprint.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, I assure you that this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Without further ado, let’s get started with the recipe to create these scrumptious thumbprint cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you are looking for a scrumptious and effortless dessert, then look no further than the Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies recipe. These classic thumbprint cookies are a favorite among cookie lovers, and with good reason. The combination of butter, sugar, and jelly make for a delightful treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

One of the greatest things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Don’t fancy raspberry jam? Why not try peanut butter and jelly instead? Or perhaps switch things up by using almond extract or jalapeno spread in lieu of your usual raspberry jam. You can even experiment with different types of jams like strawberry or blueberry for yummy variations.

Another advantage of this recipe is how easy it is to put together. With basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, and butter, you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Simply cream together butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in dry ingredients. Once you’ve formed the dough balls, it’s time to make the thumbprint indentations and fill them with your desired jam.

Not only does this recipe delight your taste buds, but it also creates an inviting aroma that fills your home with warmth and comfort. The baking process takes just around 15-20 minutes at 350°F in the oven – just enough time to whip up a cup of tea or coffee and relax before taking out a batch of fresh-from-the-oven cookies.

Whether you want something to curb your sweet tooth craving or to impress loved ones at a potluck, Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies recipe is definitely worth trying. Its simplicity makes it easy for even beginner bakers to whip up a batch in no time. Besides, who can resist the alluring scent and delicious taste of these classic cookies?

Ingredient List

Before we can make these delicious Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies, we need to have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:

Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp. salt
• Jam or jelly of your choice (raspberry jam is a classic favorite)

As you can see, the ingredient list for this recipe is fairly short and simple. You’ll likely have most of these items in your pantry already, which makes it even easier to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies for any occasion.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list, let’s get started with making the Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make these irresistible treats.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 350°F
Before you start mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. This will ensure that it’s ready by the time your cookie dough is ready to bake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) and ½ cup of granulated sugar until they are light and fluffy. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes with a mixer.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar mixture is mixed well, add in the 3 large egg yolks one at a time followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and mix them well.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add in the dry ingredients mixture into wet ingredients mixture slowly while continuously mixing till all ingredients are combined together into a smooth mixture.

Step 6: Shape Dough Balls
Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place them about an inch apart onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Step 7: Make Thumbprint Indentations in Each Ball
Take your thumb or index finger, press gently into each ball creating an indentation in its center without flattening or breaking up the cookies.

Step 8: Add Jelly Fillings
Take approximately ⅛ teaspoon of jelly or jam or any filling of your choice, using a teaspoon drop in into every cookie indentation made earlier.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake for approximately for 10-12 minute until lightly browned on edges.

Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them for a few minutes before transferring them over to cool completely in an area away from direct heat. Presentation-wise, you could sprinkle some granulated sugar on top for added sweetness vibe that makes Christmas cookies shine!

Substitutions and Variations

One of the joys of cooking is that it allows you to be creative and experiment with different ingredients. The Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies recipe is no exception. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations that will alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.

– For a peanut butter twist: Instead of using raspberry jam in the thumbprint, try a creamy peanut butter or almond butter. You can even mix some chopped peanuts into the dough for extra crunch.

– For a spicy kick: Mix in some finely chopped jalapeno peppers or red pepper flakes into the dough for a savory surprise. Spread some spicy strawberry jalapeno jam or jalapeno jelly in the thumbprint, which will contrast beautifully with the sweet cookie.

– For shortbread cookies: Leave out the egg yolks and replace half of the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. This will create a crumbly, buttery shortbread texture.

– For fudgey raspberry thumbprints: Use mini chocolate chips instead of granulated sugar in the dough. Scoop out smaller dough balls and make larger thumbprints. Fill with raspberry jam mixed with melted chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.

– For more jam options: Feel free to use any type of jam you like in this recipe. Some popular options are strawberry, blueberry, apricot, cherry, peach or grape jelly.

It’s important to keep in mind that when you substitute ingredients in a recipe, it can affect how the cookies turn out. Some ingredients may change the consistency of the dough, making it stickier, harder to handle or spread out more during baking. Others may add more moisture or dryness to the final product. Therefore, it’s always best to test your substitutions on a small batch of cookies before going all in.

Serving and Pairing

The Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is an ideal treat for any occasion, but it’s especially perfect during holidays and special celebrations. You can serve these cookies on their own, as a sweet snack with tea or coffee, or even dressed up with your favorite toppings.

One classic way to enjoy these cookies is with a tall glass of milk, which can perfectly complement their sweetness and buttery flavor. Alternatively, you could spread creamy peanut butter or jelly over the thumbprint centers for a satisfyingly indulgent twist on an already-delicious classic.

These cookies also pair well with a range of other desserts and sweet treats. They go well alongside shortbread cookies, and would be a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter. For those who like a bit of spice in their sweets, try strawberry jalapeno spread as your topping or pairing! The raspberry jam thumbprints are always a hit at parties as well.

Overall, the Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is perfect for people of all ages and on all occasions. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to for any dessert table or anytime-snack. Be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature so that they remain fresh even after several days – though we doubt they’ll last that long!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The beauty of Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is that they can be made in advance and stored for later. Whether you’re prepping for a big event or simply want to have a sweet treat on hand, these cookies are ideal for make-ahead purposes. To get started, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

When it comes to storage, keeping the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature is your best bet. At room temperature, the cookies will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies can last for up to two months.

To reheat frozen or room temperature Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies, heat your oven to 350°F and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat the cookies for 3-5 minutes or until they are warmed through. If you’re reheating frozen cookies, add an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Keep in mind that some cookie varieties may require special attention when it comes to storage and reheating. For example, jelly thumbprint cookies may need to be stored separately from peanut butter thumbprints to avoid flavor contamination.

Overall, Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a versatile and delicious treat that can be made ahead of time and stored easily for later enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to achieve perfect results in making Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies at home, follow these tips that I have consolidated for you.

First, remember to cream your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important as it creates air pockets that result in lighter and tender cookies.

Next, do not overmix the dough after adding flour. Overmixing will make the gluten in the flour develop, causing tough cookies instead of light and fluffy ones. Just mix until everything is incorporated.

When rolling dough balls, use the same amount of dough for each ball so that all cookies cook evenly. The recommended size for each dough ball is about 1 tablespoon.

If you find your cookies spreading too much during baking, try refrigerating the dough balls for at least 20 minutes before putting them in the oven. This will give your cookies a chance to firm up, keeping their shape as they bake.

Another tip to prevent flat cookies is to turn your baking sheet halfway through baking time. This ensures that heat distributes evenly across the baking sheet, avoiding one side from getting burnt.

To get perfectly formed thumbprints on your Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies, use an object with a round bottom or tip like a small spoon or melon baller to create a depression before filling with jelly or jam.

Lastly, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for long-term storage. If you plan on freezing them, label them with the date first and thaw them at room temperature before eating.

Following these simple tips will help ensure the success of your Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies every time you make them!

FAQ

Before you proceed to making these delicious Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies, it is always a good idea to go through some frequently asked questions. We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions about this recipe and answered them for your convenience. These FAQs provide insight on how to achieve the perfect texture, create variations, and store the cookies. So let’s get started with the FAQ section.

Why did my thumbprint cookies turn out flat?

We all know the frustration of baking cookies that refuse to rise and instead end up flat as a pancake. If you’ve tried multiple recipes with no success, the culprit could be your oven temperature. When the oven is too hot, the butter melts too quickly, leaving the other ingredients without a chance to set into the desired cookie shape. So, let’s dive into some tips to ensure perfectly plump cookies every time.

How do I stop my thumbprint cookies from spreading?

When it comes to making the best thumbprint cookies, it’s important to keep in mind how the dough will spread and crack during baking. To avoid this, I recommend chilling the dough for one hour before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape without becoming flat or cracking. If, however, the cookies do end up cracking when you make your indents, don’t worry! You can gently fix them without compromising the overall taste and texture of the cookies.

Do thumbprint cookies need to be refrigerated?

To keep your scrumptious thumbprint cookies fresh and delicious, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature. There is no need to cool them. These cookies will remain tasty for up to a week without becoming dry or brittle.

How long will thumbprint cookies last?

To keep your delicious thumbprint cookies fresh and tasty, make sure to store them in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week, whether you choose to keep them at room temperature or in the fridge. Just follow this simple tip and enjoy your cookies for days to come!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. With the option of different types of jelly and nut butter to use, you can create a unique flavor that suits your taste buds. These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and soft, making them an excellent addition to any occasion. By following the recipe closely and using high-quality ingredients, you can make perfect thumbprint cookies every time.

Furthermore, with its simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is easy to follow even for beginners who have little baking experience. All in all, these cookies are perfect for Christmas. You can serve these shortbread cookies for dessert or give them out as gifts to your friends and family. Don’t forget to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their crispy texture.

Finally, Smucker’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a treat you don’t want to miss out on. So gather the necessary ingredients and dive into this fantastic recipe!

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