Yields Makes about 16 cookies; 4 to 6 servings
Notes: We like to use several different flavors of jam for these cookies, such as apricot, plum, raspberry, and strawberry. You can make them up to 2 days ahead; store airtight at room temperature.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla until well blended, scraping sides of bowl as necessary.

Step 2
2

With mixer on low speed, beat flour and salt into butter mixture until well blended. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill until dough is firm but still pliable, about 30 minutes.

Step 3
3

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on a buttered 12- by 15-inch baking sheet. Press your thumb into the center of each cookie to make a 1/2-inch-deep imprint. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon jam into each.

Step 4
4

Bake cookies in a 325º regular or convection oven until lightly browned on the bottom, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Ingredients

 1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) butter, at room temperature
 1/3 cup sugar
 1 large egg yolk
 1 teaspoon vanilla
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 1/8 teaspoon salt
  About 1/4 cup jam (see notes)

Directions

Step 1
1

In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla until well blended, scraping sides of bowl as necessary.

Step 2
2

With mixer on low speed, beat flour and salt into butter mixture until well blended. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill until dough is firm but still pliable, about 30 minutes.

Step 3
3

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on a buttered 12- by 15-inch baking sheet. Press your thumb into the center of each cookie to make a 1/2-inch-deep imprint. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon jam into each.

Step 4
4

Bake cookies in a 325º regular or convection oven until lightly browned on the bottom, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Jam Thumbprints

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