Save Guava Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful tropical twist on a classic buttery treat. These simple cookies offer a wonderful contrast of textures, combining a soft, melt-in-your-mouth base with a vibrant, sweet-tart guava jam center that captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Save This easy recipe makes 24 vegetarian-friendly cookies, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a sweet snack throughout the week. The simple dough provides the ideal canvas for the bold fruit flavor of the jam.
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
For the best texture, ensure your butter is properly softened at room temperature before beating. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain pale with only the slightest hint of gold on the edges to maintain their tender crumb. If using store-bought jam, double-check for potential allergens.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily give these cookies a tropical twist by sprinkling a pinch of shredded coconut over the jam before they go into the oven. If guava jam isn't available, raspberry or apricot jam make excellent substitutes that provide a similarly delicious contrast.
Serviervorschläge
These cookies are wonderful when served with a hot cup of coffee or tea. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Each cookie contains 90 calories, 4g of fat, 13g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein.
Save Whether you're making these for a special occasion or just a weekday treat, these Guava Jam Thumbprint Cookies are sure to be a hit. Their simple preparation and exotic flavor make them a standout addition to any baker's repertoire.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of jam works best for thumbprint cookies?
Guava jam provides a unique tropical flavor, but you can substitute with raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or any favorite fruit preserve. Choose jams with thick consistency to prevent overflowing during baking.
- → Why do my thumbprint cookies lose their shape?
If the indentations disappear while baking, try pressing them deeper before filling, or use the rounded back of a measuring spoon. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping also helps maintain the thumbprint impression.
- → Can I make thumbprint cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 3 months. Shape into balls before freezing, then thaw slightly before making indentations and filling with jam.
- → How should I store guava thumbprint cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies and add jam after thawing.
- → What makes thumbprint cookies different from regular cookies?
The distinctive thumbprint indentation creates a well for fruit jam, adding both visual appeal and complementary flavor. The buttery shortbread-style dough provides a neutral base that lets the fruity filling shine.