Peach Jam Thumbprint Cookies

During the warm embrace of summer, there's a special kind of nostalgia that emerges, often evoked by the sweet aromas of baking that waft through the kitchen. Among the many delightful treats that capture this seasonal charm are thumbprint cookies. These cookies, known for their characteristic dimple at the center filled with jam or curd, hold a unique place in the hearts of bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. They are not just a treat; they are small, sweet memories wrapped in a cookie form, often shared during family gatherings, picnics, and festive celebrations.

Bring a taste of summer to your baking with these Sweet Summer Bliss Peach Jam Thumbprint Cookies! Perfect for picnics and family gatherings, these delightful treats feature a buttery cookie base filled with homemade peach jam, using fresh, in-season peaches. Easy to make and incredibly forgiving for novice bakers, this recipe elevates the classic thumbprint cookie while celebrating summer's bounty. Indulge in this nostalgic dessert that’s sure to create sweet memories.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

For the Peach Jam:

2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and finely diced

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Make the Peach Jam:

- Begin by placing a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the pan. If you desire a touch of warmth, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon.

- Stir the mixture frequently as it heats up. Allow it to bubble gently, cooking for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the jam thickens to your desired consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.

- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, gently mixing until the dough comes together. Take care not to overmix, as you want to maintain a tender texture.

Shape the Cookies:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

- Roll the cookie dough into balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

- Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, create an indentation in the center of each ball of dough.

Fill the Cookies:

- Carefully spoon a small amount of the cooled peach jam into each indentation, being cautious not to overfill them, so the jam doesn’t overflow while baking.

Bake:

- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust (Optional):

- After the cookies have cooled, you may wish to lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and to enhance their visual appeal.

Serve:

- Delight in these scrumptious Peach Jam Thumbprint Cookies paired perfectly with a refreshing glass of milk or a soothing cup of tea!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour (includes cooling time) | Yields approximately 24 cookies.

Enjoy this sweet summer indulgence!