Jack O Lantern Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 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 vanilla frosting tinted with orange food coloring
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or black decorating icing
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 with an electric mixer.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, or the cookies might become tough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 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 for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. If the thumbprints have puffed up during baking, gently press them down again while the cookies are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once cool, fill each indentation with a teaspoon of orange marmalade or orange-tinted frosting. Smooth the top to create a flat surface for the face.
- Melt the chocolate chips and place them in a piping bag with a small tip, or use black decorating icing. Carefully pipe two small triangles for eyes and a jagged “jack o lantern” smile onto the orange center of each cookie.