These Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful combination of a buttery cookie base, sweet strawberry jam, and a drizzle of glaze. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, with the cookies being soft and tender, and the jam adding a delicious fruity burst. The added glaze enhances the flavor with a hint of vanilla, almond, or lemon, making these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or any flavor jam of your choice)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond, or lemon extract (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Add the Flour:
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, stirring just until a dough forms.
- Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill with Jam:
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each thumbprint.
- Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread while baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water until smooth.
- If you’d like an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or lemon extract.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
These Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are a classic treat that everyone will love. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the fruity sweetness of strawberry jam, they’re perfect for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a delightful snack. The optional glaze adds a beautiful finish and an extra layer of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Bake up a batch and enjoy these lovely, bite-sized treats!