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Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with glossy raspberry preserves.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 125

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup thick seedless raspberry jam
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar optional for dusting

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl (for the cookie dough)
  • Hand mixer (for creaming butter)
  • Baking sheet (for the cookies)
  • Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
  • Measuring teaspoon (for making the thumbprint wells)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla.
  2. Step 2: Add the flour and salt and stir on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix once the flour disappears.
  3. Step 3: Roll into 24 small balls, roughly 1 tablespoon each, and arrange on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use the back of a 1/2-teaspoon measure to press a shallow well in each ball. Smooth any large cracks with your fingers.
  5. Step 5: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon thick raspberry jam into each well, keeping the filling below the rim.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are just turning pale gold. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes and transfer to a rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

A thick, seedless jam yields the neatest centers.
Calories are estimates per cookie without optional powdered sugar.