Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies are similar to those made by Chef John's mom and can be made two different ways for melt-in-your-mouth, jam-filled shortbread.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Calories
139 Calories

Recipe Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
Step 2
Mix together powdered sugar and butter in a large bowl with a rubber spatula until creamy. Add egg yolk, vanilla, salt, and almond extract; mix well. Blend in flour until just combined.
Step 3
Use a sorbet scoop to portion dough into 1/2-ounce (about 1 tablespoon) balls. Roll each ball in a plate of white sugar to coat; roll again between your palms. Place several inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten balls lightly with your fingers.
Step 4
Make icing: Place powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add milk, a little at a time, until icing reaches a consistency that will hold its shape when piped. Pipe over cookies in a zigzag pattern. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.
Step 6
For rounder cookies with less jam, poke a well into each ball using a finger or the end of a thick wooden spoon dusted with powdered sugar. Fill wells with fruit jam. Tap the baking sheet against the counter to let jam settle.
Step 7
For flatter, jammier cookies: Press thumb into each ball to make a large, shallow indentation. Spoon in jam. Tap the baking sheet against the counter to let jam settle.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk, or as needed
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, or as needed
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.125 teaspoon almond extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
  • 0.33333334326744 cup unsifted powdered sugar
  • 0.33333334326744 cup white sugar, or as needed
  • 0.5 cup fruit jam, divided

Categories

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