Description
Jam Drops, also known as Thumbprint Cookies, are delightful buttery cookies with a soft, tender texture and a sweet dollop of jam in the center. Perfect for teatime or festive occasions, these cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness. This recipe yields 28 cookies with easy-to-follow steps, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar (regular/granulated sugar is also acceptable)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (~50-55g/2oz)
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam, or any other flavour, mixed well to loosen
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat in the egg until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift the plain flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or your hands until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking and makes it easier to handle.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared trays.
- Create indentations: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down the center of each dough ball to create a small well without breaking the cookie entirely.
- Add jam filling: Spoon a small amount of the loosened jam into each indentation. Avoid overfilling to prevent the jam from spilling over during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, serve the cookies with your favorite tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Note 1: Caster or superfine sugar results in a smoother dough, but granulated sugar will work in a pinch.
- Note 2: Using your preferred jam flavor allows for variety; strawberry and raspberry are classic choices.
- Ensure the butter is sufficiently softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain a soft center; cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick.
