Save These golden-baked Guava Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a simple and elegant treat that brings a tropical flair to a classic buttery cookie. With a crumbly texture and a vibrant pink center, they offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.
Save The secret to these delicious thumbprints lies in the quality of the guava jam, which provides a unique sweetness not found in traditional berry fillings. Whether served as an afternoon snack or a festive dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Filling: 1/2 cup (120 g) guava jam.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt; set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 5
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them between your palms. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 7
- Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Step 8
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of guava jam.
- Step 9
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Step 10
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When making the indentations, if the dough starts to crack at the edges, you can gently smooth it with your fingertips. Ensure your butter is properly softened at room temperature to achieve a fluffy texture when creaming it with the sugar.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a tropical twist, sprinkle a pinch of shredded coconut over the jam before baking. If you cannot find guava jam, you can substitute it with raspberry or apricot jam for a more traditional flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cookies on a platter with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate afternoon treat. Their vibrant color makes them a beautiful addition to any dessert table or holiday cookie tray.
Save This recipe yields 24 vegetarian cookies. Each cookie contains approximately 90 calories, 4g of total fat, 13g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Enjoy these delightful homemade treats with family and friends.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different jam flavors?
Absolutely. While guava jam provides a unique tropical flavor, you can substitute it with raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or any favorite fruit preserve. The baking time remains the same regardless of jam choice.
- → How do I store these cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, though the jam texture may change slightly after thawing.
- → Why did my indentation disappear during baking?
If the thumbprint fills back in while baking, simply press the center down again with the rounded back of a teaspoon immediately after removing them from the oven, while they're still warm and pliable. Then add the jam filling.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Let it soften slightly at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before shaping, as cold dough can be difficult to work with. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked cookies and bake them straight from the freezer.
- → What makes guava jam special in this recipe?
Guava jam offers a distinctive tropical sweetness with tart undertones that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base. Its vibrant pink color creates an attractive presentation, and the tropical flavor profile makes these cookies memorable and unique.