Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a charming treat perfect for sharing with loved ones. These tender buttery cookies are filled with your favorite jam, creating a delightful balance of sweet and fruity flavors. They’re simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup butter (softened or vegan butter for vegan version)
• 1⁄2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg (or 1 tbsp ground flax + 2 tbsp water for vegan)
• 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 cup jam of choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on high until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add in the egg (or flax mixture) and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and salt, and blend until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1½ inches apart.
6. Step 6: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball twice to form a heart-shaped indent.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If the indentations have filled in, gently reshape them while still warm.
9. Step 9: Once completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax egg instead of a real egg.
• Try different jams like apricot or blueberry to change the flavor profile.
• If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
• Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If the jam hardens, allow cookies to warm slightly to soften the filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.

What can I use instead of jam for filling?

Nut butters, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd are excellent alternatives that add variety to the filling.

Thumbprint Heart Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 52 reviews

These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a charming and delightful treat perfect for sharing love and sweetness. Made with a buttery, tender dough and filled with your favorite jam, these cookies offer a perfect balance of soft texture and fruity flavor. Easy to prepare and customizable for vegan diets, they make a lovely homemade gift or a festive snack.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup butter, softened (or vegan butter for vegan version)
• 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg (or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water for vegan)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Filling

• 1/4 cup jam of choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg (or flaxseed mixture) and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking it to maintain tenderness.
5. Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
6. Create Heart Indentations: Using your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon, press into the center of each dough ball twice to shape a heart-shaped indentation for the jam filling.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
8. Cool and Reshape: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If the heart indentations have filled in during baking, gently press them again while the cookies are still warm.
9. Add Jam Filling: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center to finish the cookies.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture.
• You can experiment with different jams such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot according to your preference.
• Ensure the dough balls are spaced adequately to prevent cookies from sticking together.
• Pressing the indentations twice helps form a clearer heart shape for the jam.
• Re-press indentations gently after baking if they have puffed up too much.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, heart shaped cookies, jam filled cookies, vegan thumbprint cookies, easy cookies, holiday cookies