Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies offer a delightful combination of buttery dough and sweet jam in a charming heart shape. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding a touch of sweetness to any occasion.

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: Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on high speed until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing 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 create a heart-shaped indentation.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them 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 dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine of the same amount.
• Try different jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry to customize the flavor.
• If you want a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze baked cookies without jam for up to 3 months; add jam after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of flour for these cookies?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind the cookies may be denser, so you might want to adjust flour amounts slightly.

How do I prevent the indentations from disappearing while baking?

Press the indentations twice to deepen the heart shape and chill the dough before baking. If the indents fill in during baking, gently press them again while the cookies are still warm.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 72 reviews

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are charming, buttery treats with a soft texture and a sweet jam-filled center. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies blend simple ingredients into a delightful heart-shaped snack that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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

Filling

• 1/4 cup jam of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Blend them together gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
6. Create Heart Indents: Press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon gently twice into the center of each ball to create a heart-shaped indentation for the jam filling.
7. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
8. Cool and Reshape: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While warm, if the heart indentations have filled back in, gently press them again to maintain shape.
9. Add Jam Filling: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center, completing the cookies.

Notes

• Use softened butter to make creaming easier and ensure the right dough consistency.
• You can substitute the egg with a flax egg for a vegan option.
• Choose your favorite jam flavor, such as raspberry or strawberry, for varied tastes.
• Be gentle when creating the heart indentations to avoid breaking the dough balls.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Keywords: heart cookies, thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, Valentine cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies