Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, delicate cookie with a perfectly crisp edge, a tender center filled with luscious jam, and a rich chocolate drizzle that makes your taste buds dance with joy. These Almond Thumbprint Cookies are not just a treat; they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary moment into a sweet celebration. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver bakery-quality cookies right from your own kitchen, guaranteed to impress family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam (your choice)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and almond extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately re-press the centers if the indentations have puffed up during baking.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cookies are cool, fill the centers with your chosen jam.
- For the fudge topping, melt chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Drizzle or pipe the melted chocolate over the jam-filled cookies.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- When creating thumbprints, use the back of a teaspoon for more uniform indentations.
- Don't overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and light.
- Choose a high-quality jam for the most vibrant flavor.
- When melting chocolate, use short microwave intervals to prevent burning.
- Let cookies cool completely before adding jam and chocolate to maintain their structure.
- For a professional look, use a piping bag to drizzle chocolate evenly.
- Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
