Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Thumbprint Cookies recipe is a buttery and tender recipe, which is made with a rich shortbread dough and a sweet jam center. It’s the perfect holiday cookie, a classic, foolproof treat ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients
A classic combination for a perfectly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)
- ⅓ cup jam or preserves (raspberry is classic)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Thumbprint Cookies
A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully buttery and classic holiday cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the granulated and brown sugars and beat on medium-high speed for about a minute, until well-combined and fluffy.
- Make the Dough: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a crumbly dough forms.
- Shape and Indent: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls and roll them between your hands until they are very smooth, with no cracks. If desired, roll the balls in granulated sugar. Place them on a wax-paper-covered plate. Use your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon to gently press an indent into the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Chill the Cookies: Transfer the plate of indented cookie dough to the freezer and chill for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step.
- Fill and Bake: When the dough is done chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F. Briefly warm the jam in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to make it easier to spoon. Fill each thumbprint to the brim with jam.
- Bake and Cool: Place the chilled cookies at least 2 inches apart on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them.
Recipe Tips
For the perfect, tender thumbprint cookie that doesn’t crack.
- Why is my dough so dry and crumbly? Don’t worry, that’s correct for this style of cookie! It’s a shortbread-style dough with a high butter content. If it’s struggling to come together in your mixer, you can use your hands to finish kneading it into a cohesive ball.
- How do I prevent the thumbprints from cracking? The secret is to roll the dough balls until they are very smooth and seamless before you make the indent. Chilling the dough after you’ve made the thumbprint also helps to set the shape and prevent cracking in the oven.
- Do I have to chill the dough? Yes, it is absolutely essential for this recipe. Chilling the dough after it has been shaped and indented solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading out and losing their shape and their jam-filled well.
- Can I use a different filling? Of course! While raspberry or strawberry jam is classic, these cookies are also fantastic with apricot preserves, a dollop of Nutella, or a small caramel candy pressed into the center.
What To Serve With Thumbprint Cookies
The perfect accompaniment for this classic, festive cookie.
These delicate, buttery cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table. They are wonderful served with:
- A hot cup of tea or coffee
- A small glass of dessert wine
- A festive cookie exchange box
How To Store Thumbprint Cookies
Keeping your cookies fresh and tender.
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are delicate, so it’s best to store them in a single layer or with sheets of parchment paper between the layers. They will keep for up to a week.
Pioneer Woman Thumbprint Cookies Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per cookie.
- Calories: 165kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the dough?
Cornstarch is a secret weapon for tender cookies! It inhibits gluten development in the flour, which results in a softer, more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, this cookie dough is fantastic for making ahead. You can cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. You can also scoop and indent the dough balls, freeze them solid on a baking sheet, and then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just fill and bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the bake time.
My jam bubbled over and made a mess. How can I prevent that?
This can happen if you overfill the indents. Fill them just to the brim. Using a thick preserve or jam, rather than a thin jelly, will also help it stay in place as it bakes.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Saucepan Cookies Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Pioneer Woman Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Description
Classic, buttery, and tender shortbread-style thumbprint cookies with a signature jam-filled center and a sparkly sugar coating. The perfect melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and both sugars until fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt. On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until a crumbly dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls until very smooth. Roll in sugar, if using.
- Place on a wax-paper lined plate and press an indent into the center of each ball.
- Freeze the indented cookie dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Fill each indent with jam.
- Place the chilled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before handling.
Notes
- u003cliu003eChilling the dough u003cemu003eafteru003c/emu003e making the thumbprint indent is the crucial secret to preventing the cookies from spreading and losing their shape.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe dough will seem very dry and crumbly; this is normal for a shortbread-style cookie. Use your hands to bring it together.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the cleanest thumbprints, use the rounded back of a ½ or 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to make the indent.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThese cookies are delicate; let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up.u003c/liu003e
