Get ready to delight your taste buds with the enchanting Ruby Gem Thumbprint Cookies! These vibrant, jewel-like treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Imagine soft, buttery cookies cradling a luscious raspberry jam center, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Follow along as we guide you through this easy, yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This will hold the raspberry jam.
- Fill each indentation with approximately 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam, ensuring it doesn’t overflow.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Ruby Gem Thumbprint Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Perfect Indentation: When making the thumbprint, press gently but firmly to create a nice well for the jam, but be careful not to go all the way through the dough.
- Jam Choices: While raspberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a unique twist!
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
