Pin Recipe These Guava Jam Thumbprint Cookies are simple, buttery treats with a sweet-tart guava jam center, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The delicate, golden-brown edges crumble perfectly with every bite, making them a tropical twist on a classic favorite.
Pin Recipe Whether you are serving them at a festive gathering or enjoying one as a midday snack, these cookies bring a beautiful splash of color to any dessert table. Their preparation is straightforward, yet the results look professionally crafted.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 g) guava jam
Instructions
- 1
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt; set aside.
- 3
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- 4
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 5
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- 6
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them between your palms. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- 7
- Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- 8
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of guava jam.
- 9
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- 10
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure your butter is properly softened at room temperature to ensure the dough becomes light and fluffy during mixing. If you notice the dough cracking when you press your thumb into the center, gently smooth the edges with your fingers before adding the jam.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a tropical twist, sprinkle a pinch of shredded coconut over the jam before baking. If guava is unavailable, you can easily substitute it with raspberry or apricot jam for a different flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness. They pair exceptionally well with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Pin Recipe 
Simple to prepare and delightfully tropical, these Guava Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Their sweet-tart filling and crumbly base offer a sophisticated treat for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other fruit jams besides guava?
Yes, raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or blackberry jam all work beautifully. The sweet-tart profile of guava pairs especially well with the buttery dough, but any quality fruit preserve will create delicious results.
- → How do I prevent the jam from overflowing during baking?
Fill each indentation with only 1/2 teaspoon of jam, avoiding overfilling. The jam will bubble slightly but should stay contained if you don't exceed this amount. Creating a deep, centered thumbprint helps keep everything in place.
- → Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop and roll the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. When ready to bake, let thaw slightly, make the thumbprint indentation, fill with jam, and bake as directed. Add 1-2 minutes to baking time if baking from frozen.
- → Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the butter was too soft or the dough wasn't chilled. Use softened but not melting butter. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the shaped dough balls for 15-20 minutes before making indentations and baking.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The jam filling may soften the cookies slightly over time, but they remain delicious. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies and add jam before serving.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but the flavor remains excellent. Ensure your guava jam is also certified gluten-free.