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Who doesn't love cookies with a little twist? I can't wait to share my recipe for Strawberries & Cream Thumbprint Cookies with you! These little treats are a burst of flavor and a joy to make. Perfect for any special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat. 🍓 These cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with smooth cream, creating a heavenly snack that's hard to resist. The best part? You don't need to be a professional baker to whip these up. I promise, making them is as fun as eating them! Picture this: a light and buttery cookie with a sweet dollop of strawberry and cream nestled in the center. It’s not just a cookie; it's an experience waiting to happen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful recipe! 🍪✨ Strawberries & Cream Thumbprints Cookie Recipe I'm super excited to share this delightful Strawberries & Cream Thumbprints Cookie Recipe with you! 🍓 These cookies are perfect for any occasion, combining the sweet taste of strawberries with the creamy goodness of a smooth filling. Let's get baking! To make these yummy cookies, I used the following equipment:Mixing bowls: Different sizesElectric mixer: Or a whiskBaking sheet: For baking cookiesParchment Paper: To line the baking sheet.Spoon: For measuring and fillingCooling rack: For cooling the cookiesSmall saucepan: For making the strawberry fillingMake sure to have everything ready before starting.It makes the process so much smoother! 😊 Let’s gather the ingredients for these delicious cookies:1 cup unsalted butter (softened)2/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup strawberry jam4 oz cream cheese (softened)1/4 cup powdered sugar1/2 teaspoon almond extractUsing fresh ingredients really makes a difference in the taste.These lovely cookies will fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of strawberries! Here's how I put it all together:Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat them together until light and fluffy.Add vanilla and flour: Stir until a dough forms.Shape dough into balls: Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Make a thumbprint: Use your thumb to press into the center of each cookie.Fill with strawberry jam: Spoon a bit of jam into each indentation.Bake: In a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 mins.Prepare cream filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth.Add cream to cookies: Once cookies are cool, fill the thumbprints with cream mixture. 😋 Here are some tips to keep in mind: For a twist, try different fruit jams. Chill the dough: If it feels too soft, chilling helps to firm it up. Store cookies: In an airtight container for up to a week to stay fresh. Freezing tips: These cookies freeze well; just leave out the cream until serving. 💡 Room temperature: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temp for easy mixing. I hope you have fun making and eating these delightful cookies. They’re a big hit at my house! 🍪❤️ DessertAmericanCream cheese filling, Dessert recipes, Easy baking recipes, Fruit-filled Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Homemade thumbprint cookies, Strawberry dessert ideas, Strawberry thumbprint cookies Presentation & Serving When it’s time to serve these delightful cookies, I love to make them look as special as they taste. 🍓 A simple way to present them is on a cute dessert plate. Arranging them in a circle or in rows gives a neat look. For a party or special occasion, I place them on a decorative tray. Adding a handful of fresh strawberries and mint leaves around the cookies can brighten up the arrangement. If giving them as a gift, I find a small, clear cellophane bag works perfectly. I tie it with a colorful ribbon. It feels personal and charming. 🎀 For those who enjoy some variety, it's fun to have a small tea party. I pair these cookies with cream tea or a glass of milk. Discussing my cookies’ ingredients with friends, I stick to simple, heartfelt descriptions. Flour, sugar, and butter: make the base deliciously soft. Strawberry jam: adds a sweet, fruity burst. A bit of vanilla for that cozy touch. Some equipment I use: Mixing bowls Baking sheet Spoon for the thumbprint I always feel like these serving ideas make my cookies a bit more special. Enjoying a sweet treat is even better when it's shared in style! 🍪 Storage Tips When I make Strawberries & Cream Thumbprints, I always want them fresh! Here’s how I keep them that way. 😋 Room Temperature: I store my cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days on the counter. Refrigerator: If I want them to last a bit longer, I pop them in the fridge. They’re good for about 1 week this way. Freezing: If I bake a big batch, I freeze some.I separate layers with parchment paper, and they keep well for up to 2 months. Quick Tips: I use a cool, dry place for storage. Avoid stacking them to keep the thumbprint intact! When freezing, I make sure to label the date I store them. This way, whether it’s a small batch or a big one, I always have a delicious treat ready to share! 🍓✨ Recipe Variation Let's level up our Strawberries & Cream Thumbprints! 🍓🎉 I love trying new ideas to make treats even better. Here are some fun variations you can try. Flavor Twists: Use other jams: Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot can change up the taste. Add chocolate chips: A little chocolate always makes things better. 🍫 Mix in nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans can add a nice crunch. Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls Cookie sheet Spoon or thumb for pressing Ingredients: Basic cookie dough Your choice of jam Optional additions (nuts, chocolate chips) Instructions: Prepare your cookie dough as usual. Press the center with a spoon or thumb. Fill with your chosen jam or add-ins. Extra Ideas: Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm things up. Drizzle icing: A sweet glaze of vanilla icing on top can be delightful. These variations make it easy to customize and try new flavors! 🍪✨ Pairing I love finding the perfect drink to enjoy these Strawberries & Cream Thumbprints Cookies with! 🍓☕ Let's talk about some great options. Hot Beverages: Tea: A light green tea or chamomile tea pairs nicely. Coffee: Creamy lattes or cappuccinos balance the sweetness. Hot Chocolate: Extra sweetness for chocolate lovers. Cold Drinks: Milk: Classic and simple. It’s a refreshing choice. 🥛 Iced Tea: Fruit-flavored iced teas like peach or raspberry are tasty. Fruit Smoothies: Berry smoothies complement the fruit flavors in cookies. Other Ideas: Sparkling Water: Adds a crisp contrast to the rich cookies. Lemonade: Offers a zesty, refreshing taste. These options keep the experience fun and delicious. Let me know your favorite combo! 😊 Tips & Tricks When I'm baking these delicious Strawberries & Cream Thumbprint Cookies, there are some little secrets that make a big difference! 🍓🍪 Equipment: Mixing bowls Baking sheets Parchment paper Thumb (for perfect prints!) Ingredients: Fresh strawberries Cream cheese Sugar Vanilla extract Flour Instructions: Mix dough well Chill before baking for best results I make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. It blends so much better this way! For the perfect thumbprint, I always use parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. When making the strawberry filling, I mash them finely and leave a few small chunks for a burst of flavor! 🍓 Sometimes, I add a tiny bit of lemon zest for extra zing. A little secret: I use a teaspoon to scoop the dough, ensuring even sizes. Then, I use my thumb to craft neat, deep prints. Remember to chill the dough first! It helps the cookies hold their shape perfectly. Finally, I space them out on the baking sheet. This prevents them from spreading into each other. Keeping them apart makes them look as good as they taste! Baking these cookies is so fun! Try these tips, and let me know how yours turn out. Happy baking! 🌟 Frequently Asked Questions I'm so excited to answer some common questions about making the best strawberries and cream thumbprints! I'll share tips on creating creamy fillings, preventing cracks, and how to handle those tempting spreads! 🍓🍪 What's the secret to making the creamiest strawberries and cream thumbprints filling? The key to a creamy filling is using fresh strawberries and high-quality cream cheese. I mix the cream cheese until it's super smooth, then add finely chopped strawberries. A little lemon zest boosts the flavor! This combo gives that silky, dreamy texture I love. 🧀🍓 How can I prevent my thumbprint cookies from cracking? Cracking happens when the dough is too cold or dry. I keep my dough at room temperature before shaping and use just enough flour. Gently pressing my thumb down and rounding the edges helps avoid those pesky cracks. It’s all about that tender touch! 😊 Is there a way to stop thumbprint cookies from spreading too much during baking? To keep them from spreading, I chill the dough after shaping the cookies but before baking. Chilling is key! It firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape. I also make sure not to over-cream the butter and sugar. ❄️🧈 Can thumbprint cookies be filled with strawberry icing, and how is it best done? Absolutely! To fill with strawberry icing, I make a simple icing with powdered sugar and fresh strawberry puree. I fill the cookies once they are completely cool. This way, the icing stays shiny and doesn’t run over. It’s a sweet option I love to try. 🎉 What's the best technique to ensure my strawberry thumbprint cookies don't go flat? To avoid flat cookies, I make sure the butter isn't too soft when I mix the dough. Using half butter and half shortening can help hold the shape, too. I also keep an eye on my oven temperature to make sure it’s just right! 🌟 How do you make the perfect dough for strawberry shortbread thumbprint cookies? For the perfect dough, I start with softened butter, then cream it with sugar until light and fluffy. Adding a splash of vanilla gives it wonderful flavor. I mix in flour gradually to get a soft, pliable dough. Chilling for 30 minutes makes it ready to bake! 🍪