Thumbprint buttery shortbread (Printable)

Tender buttery shortbread with sweet jam centers for a delightful treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large egg yolks
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Filling

07 - 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or similar)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Combine softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl; beat until light and fluffy.
03 - Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture; blend until smooth.
04 - Gradually add flour and salt; mix until a cohesive soft dough forms.
05 - Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. Arrange them 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
06 - Press a shallow indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
07 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
08 - Place baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges turn golden.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're buttery and tender without being fussy, which means you can actually relax while baking them.
  • The jam center means every cookie has a little burst of flavor that feels intentional, not accidental.
  • You can make them in under an hour from start to finish, including cleanup vibes.
02 -
  • Don't fill the cookies before they're shaped and ready to bake, or the jam will soak into the raw dough and make everything soggy.
  • If you find yourself pressing too hard and creating holes that go through, just gently pinch the dough up around the edge to seal the bottom a little—it's more forgiving than you'd think.
  • Room-temperature ingredients really do matter here; cold butter and cold egg yolks will fight you on getting a smooth, creamy dough.
03 -
  • Roll your dough balls in finely chopped nuts—pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts—before baking for a textural surprise that feels special without being complicated.
  • If your jam is very stiff, warm it slightly with a teaspoon of water to make it spoon easier without losing its integrity.
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