These soft, tender thumbprint cookies are flavored with vanilla extract, rolled in granulated sugar and then filled with a variety of jams! These easy cookies come together with just 5 ingredients in under 30 minutes and stay fresh for up to 10 days at room temperature!
Preheat the oven to 325°F conventional (no fan) and line one baking sheet with parchment paper. I do not recommend using the convection setting for these cookies.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add all the ingredients. (Butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and vanilla extract.) Mix on medium-low speed until a smooth dough forms.
Pinch off pieces of dough about an inch across. Roll into a ball and then roll in granulated sugar. You will have approximately 15 cookies.
Place on parchment lined baking sheet about an inch apart, offset slightly. Press your thumb or forefinger into the center of each cookie gently, making an indentation. It should go about halfway into the cookie. Fill with jam before baking, but bake unfilled for a chocolate filling.
Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the surface looks matte and no longer glossy. I rotated my trays after 6 minutes.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Yield – 15 cookies Variations – Try orange, coffee, peppermint or lemon extract in place of the vanilla. Roll in chopped pecans or walnuts. Storage – Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. They taste best when eaten within 5 days, but those filled with jam will stay soft & moist for 10 days!