Description
Jelly Delight Cookies are classic thumbprint cookies featuring a tender buttery dough filled with your choice of fruit jelly or jam. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday celebrations, snack time, or any occasion craving a sweet, chewy cookie with a burst of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Topping
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly or jam (any flavor)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to cream together the softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the dough for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid toughening the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. If desired, roll the dough balls in the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for a sparkling finish on the cookies.
- Indent and Fill: Place the dough balls spaced 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of fruit jelly or jam.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them set up and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of fruit jelly or jam for variety and a burst of colorful flavor.
- For a festive look, try using a mix of different jam flavors on the same batch.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
