Simple Vanilla Jam Drops Recipes

SIOBHAN'S THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and a second rack in the lower third then preheat to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar and beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture, and stir until just combined. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between cookies. Using your thumb or the round end of a small pestle, make a well in the center of each cookie. Using a teaspoon, fill each well with jam, being careful not to overfill the wells. Bake, switching the cookies between the upper and lower racks about halfway through baking, until golden, about 15 minutes. Cool the cookies on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Continue baking cookies on cooled baking sheets. DO AHEAD: The cookies can be baked ahead and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.

VANILLA SNAP COOKIES

Steps:

• Place the butter, sugar and vanilla in a food processor and process until smooth.
• Add the flour, egg and extra egg yolk and process until a smooth dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half.
• Roll each piece out between sheets of non-stick baking paper until 5mm thick.
• Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until firm.
• Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
• Remove the top sheets of baking paper from the dough. Using a 6cm round cookie cutter, cut shapes from the dough, re-rolling as necessary.
• Place the rounds on lightly greased baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper and bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden.
• Allow to cool on trays for 10 minutes before transferring onto wire racks to cool.