Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions

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If you’re looking for a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a perfect choice. These heart-shaped treats combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread base with a fruity, homemade cherry jam filling. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Are a Must-Try

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are an easy-to-make, family-friendly treat that everyone will love. With a delicate, buttery texture and the sweet burst of cherry jam, these cookies are not just tasty—they’re also visually stunning. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or simply indulging in a treat, these cookies stand out. Plus, the heart shape adds a special touch for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Whole Cherries: These provide the fresh fruit flavor and texture for the cherry jam.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the jam and helps thicken it for a perfect filling consistency.

Lemon Juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness and helps the jam set.
Unsalted Butter: Brings richness, moisture, and flavor to the cookie dough, giving it a tender texture.
Icing Sugar: Contributes sweetness and a fine, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the dough.

Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the dough together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a delightful flavor that complements the buttery cookie base.
Plain Flour: The primary structure of the cookie dough, helping it hold its shape.

Cornstarch: Creates a tender, crumbly texture by reducing gluten formation.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re looking for swaps or have dietary restrictions, here are a few suggestions:

Gluten-Free Flour: Swap plain flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Dairy-Free Butter: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil if you’re following a dairy-free diet.
Other Jams: Feel free to experiment with different jams like strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the cherry jam: In a small saucepan, combine chopped cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Gradually mix in the plain flour and cornstarch, stirring until just combined.
Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 12 balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently press two thumbprints into the center of each ball, creating a heart shape.

Fill with jam: Spoon a small amount of cooled cherry jam into the thumbprint indentation of each cookie.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
Use firm jam: The consistency of the jam is key. Make sure it is thick enough to stay in place without running out of the cookie center. If your jam is too runny, cook it a little longer to reduce excess moisture.
Smooth dough balls: Roll the dough into smooth balls before pressing the thumbprints. This will help create perfect, crack-free cookies.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate or change up the experience:

Serve with tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of chamomile, peppermint, or even green tea, making them a great afternoon treat.
Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprints: Instead of jam, fill the thumbprints with Nutella and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for a rich, indulgent twist.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprints: Use peanut butter in the dough and a different jam, like grape or strawberry, to create a nostalgic peanut butter and jelly flavor.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that will bring a burst of fruity sweetness to your kitchen. With their crumbly, buttery texture and fresh, homemade cherry jam filling, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special celebration. The heart-shaped design adds a charming touch that makes them even more special for holidays and events. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cherry Thumbprint Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and shape the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. Bake them directly from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two in the oven.

2. Can I use store-bought jam for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies?

Absolutely! While homemade cherry jam adds a fresh, fruity flavor, high-quality store-bought jam works perfectly well too. Just make sure it’s not too runny to prevent it from spilling out during baking.

3. Why are my Cherry Thumbprint Cookies spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure that your dough is chilled before baking. Warm dough is more likely to spread. Additionally, make sure to use the correct amount of cornstarch to keep the cookies tender without losing shape.

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Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are delightful treats with a buttery shortbread base and a fresh, fruity cherry jam filling. These heart-shaped cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

Whole Cherries: 150g (about 1 cup), provides fresh fruit flavor for the jam.
Granulated Sugar: 50g (1/4 cup), sweetens the jam and helps it thicken.

Lemon Juice: 1 tsp, adds acidity and helps the jam set.
Unsalted Butter: 115g (1/2 cup), adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
Icing/Powdered Sugar: 60g (1/2 cup), sweetens and contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Egg Yolk: 1 large, provides richness and binds the dough.
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 tsp, enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Plain Flour: 140g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp), provides structure to the cookie dough.

Cornstarch: 15g (2 tbsp), creates a tender, crumbly texture.

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the cherry jam by combining chopped cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Cream the butter and icing sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and cornstarch, stirring until just combined.
Roll the dough into 12 balls and place them on the baking sheet.

Press two thumbprints into the center of each ball to form a heart shape.
Fill the thumbprints with cooled cherry jam.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool the cookies on a rack for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure your jam is thick enough to stay in place without spilling out.
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it’s too soft to handle.
For a cleaner look, roll the dough into smooth balls before pressing the thumbprints.