Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Delight in these classic Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa dough with a soft center filled with your favorite jam. Perfectly chewy with a sweet, fruity surprise in every bite, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for any occasion.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or your choice)
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to shape and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until they’re set but still soft in the middle. Remove from the oven and immediately press the indentations again if needed to maintain the space for the jam filling.
- Add the Jam Filling: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then fill each indentation with your choice of jam or preserves. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes to slightly set the jam.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully before serving or storing. This ensures the jam sets nicely without making the cookies soggy.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent cookie spreading during baking.
- You can substitute the jam flavor according to your preference.
- Press the indentation again after the first bake to keep the well for the jam.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to prevent sogginess from the jam.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Keywords: Chocolate Cookies, Thumbprint Cookies, Jam Cookies, Cocoa Cookies, Dessert, Baked Cookies, Homemade Cookies