Irresistible Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and gather all necessary ingredients. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat for easy release.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/3 cup of powdered sugar and butter using a rubber spatula until smooth. Incorporate the egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract, mixing until well combined. Gently blend in the flour until just incorporated.
3. Using a sorbet scoop, portion the dough into 1/2-ounce balls (approximately 1 tablespoon each). Roll each ball in a plate of granulated sugar to ensure a thorough coating, then gently roll between your palms to refine the shape.
4. Arrange the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between them. Lightly flatten each ball with your fingertips to create a base for the filling.
5. For cookies with a rounder shape and less jam, create a well in the center of each ball using your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon dusted with powdered sugar. Fill each well generously with your preferred fruit jam. Gently tap the baking sheet on the counter to help the jam settle evenly.
6. For flatter, jammier cookies, use your thumb to press an indentation into the center of each ball. Fill the indentation generously with your favorite jam. Tap the baking sheet on the counter to help the jam settle.
7. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies turn a light golden brown, approximately 15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.
8. Prepare the icing by placing 1 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add milk, a small amount at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth consistency suitable for piping. Pipe the icing over the cooled cookies in a zigzag pattern. Allow the icing to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 139 kcal
• Fat Content: 5 g
• Fiber Content: 0 g
• Sugar Content: 15 g
• Sodium Content: 33 mg
• Protein Content: 1 g
• Cholesterol Content: 23 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 23 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g