Jack O Lantern Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade or apricot preserves
- Orange food coloring (optional, to brighten the jam)
- Black decorating icing or melted dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat again until everything is well combined. The egg yolk helps give the shortbread a rich, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. If the dough feels too soft, you can chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon to press a deep indentation into the center of each ball.
- Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and, if the centers have puffed up, gently press them down again while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely. If your jam is chunky, strain it or warm it slightly to make it smooth. Stir in a drop of orange food coloring if desired. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of jam. Use the black icing or melted chocolate to draw eyes and a jagged mouth on the orange center to create the Jack O Lantern faces.