Baking these Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies is like giving the classic snickerdoodle a fun little hug. They’re soft, cinnamon-sugar coated, and filled with your choice of jam or caramel, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Let’s dive into why these cookies are a must-bake!
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of soft snickerdoodle dough and sweet filling creates a delightful contrast in textures.
- Cinnamon-sugar coating adds a warm, spicy note that complements any filling you choose.
- Thumbprint cookies are versatile; fill them with jam, caramel, or even chocolate for different flavors.
- They’re easy to make, requiring no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for gifting or serving at parties, these cookies are always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup jam or caramel filling
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Small spoon or melon baller
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. The creaming process is crucial for creating a soft cookie texture.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step ensures your cookies have the right structure and moisture content.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. In a small bowl, mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Create Thumbprints and Bake
Use your thumb or a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam or caramel. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips and Tricks
For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure to portion out the dough. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to work with. To prevent the filling from spreading too much during baking, ensure your indentations are deep enough and consider using a thicker jam or reducing the amount of filling slightly.
Recipe Variations
- Try different fillings like chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or peanut butter for a unique twist.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- For a nutty version, roll the dough balls in chopped pecans or almonds before baking.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to overly soft butter or a warm baking sheet. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and try chilling the shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture. If you do use margarine, choose a stick variety labeled for baking to ensure the best results.
Summary
These Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic, offering a soft, cinnamon-sugar coated treat filled with your favorite jam or caramel. Easy to make and versatile, they’re perfect for any occasion.