Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
Coating and Filling
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling, optional)
- 1/3 cup Jam (flavor of your choice)
Instructions
- Combine Butter and Sugar: Add softened butter and granulated sugar to a mixing bowl and beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly to combine.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined, noting the dough may seem dry.
- Chill the Dough: Press the dough into a square shape, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls, ensuring there are no cracks or seams.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll each cookie ball in granulated sugar (if using) and place on a cookie sheet, spaced evenly apart.
- Make Thumbprint Indents: Gently press an indent into the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon the jam into the indent of each cookie. If the jam is too firm, soften in the microwave for 10 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 11 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn brown.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheet before transferring or serving to ensure they set properly.
Notes
- For a variety of flavors, experiment with different jam types such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
- Rolling the dough in sugar before baking adds a slight crunch and sparkle to the cookies but is optional.
- Make sure not to overbake; cookies should be slightly soft when removed from the oven and will firm up as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to make a larger batch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
