Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a charming treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery dough with a sweet jam filling creates a delightful combination that’s easy to make and share.

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: With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on high until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and salt, and blend 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 form a heart-shaped indent.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer 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

• Use different jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for varied flavors.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier and prevent spreading.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. The texture may vary slightly.

Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the dough balls and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the jam filling after the cookies have cooled.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

These charming Thumbprint Heart Cookies are buttery, tender treats filled with your favorite jam, perfect for festive occasions or a sweet everyday snack. The soft dough is rolled into bite-sized balls, pressed into heart shapes, and baked to golden perfection before being filled with luscious jam, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

• Author: Naya
• 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, softened
• 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 (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, apricot)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined to form a soft dough, being careful not to overmix.
5. Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and evenly space them about 1 ½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
6. Form Heart Indents: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each dough ball twice to create a distinct heart-shaped indentation suitable for filling.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling they are properly baked but still tender inside.
8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If the heart indentations have filled in during baking, gently reshape them while warm.
9. Add Jam Filling: Once cooled completely, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into the heart-shaped centers for a burst of fruity sweetness.

Notes

• For a vegan alternative, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• Use any jam flavor you prefer to customize the cookies to your taste.
• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better dough consistency.
• Press your thumb gently but firmly to avoid breaking the dough ball when forming the indentations.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, heart-shaped cookies, jam-filled cookies, holiday cookies, easy homemade cookies