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 apricot preserves or orange-tinted vanilla frosting
- Small amount of black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate
- Green sprinkles or small pieces of green candy (for the stems)
Instructions
- Step 1: Oven and Tray Preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies do not stick and brown evenly.
- Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Incorporating Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Forming the Cookies. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place the balls 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.
- Step 6: Baking the Cookies. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the cookies are still pale. If the centers have puffed up, gently press them down again while the cookies are still warm. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7: Filling and Decorating. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of apricot preserves or orange frosting. Use the black decorating gel or melted chocolate to draw eyes and a jagged mouth on the orange centers. Add a green sprinkle or a tiny piece of candy at the top to act as a pumpkin stem.