Last Minute Thumb-Print Cookies
Ok, so it's Valentine's Day... And you weren't going to make a big deal about it (because you don't need a specific day to show your love, and capitalism definitely made this holiday up to sell chocolates and flowers) butttt now you've woken up and you kind of wish you had done a little something. Maybe you rolled over and saw the sunlight hit your partner’s face (it’s actually sunny in Montreal today) or maybe you woke up to a meme from your bestie and your heart exploded with how much they just get you.
Here's a cute little treat, that's incredibly easy to make... It goes great with coffee or tea, as an afternoon snack or as a post dinner treat . Just something to say, I love you.
Cookie Ingredients:
2 Cups Baking flour OR 2 Cups of Flour + 1 tsp of Baking Powder + half a tsp of Salt
1/2 Cup Powdered sugar
1 Cup of Softened Margarine or Plant Based Butter
Dash of Vanilla Extract (yes, you can use imitation)
Tip: add ground lavender, cinnamon, matcha or ginger for a whole new cookie flavor
Cherry Jam Ingredients:
1 Cup of Frozen cherries
3/4 Cup Granulated sugar
A Squeeze of fresh lemon
Water (as needed)
Note: If you don't have the time or confidence in your ability to make a jam, store bought is totally fine!
Jam Prep
1. Place frozen cherries and sugar in sauce pan on medium heat
2. Continuously stir, adding more sugar or water as needed until jam is a thick consistency
3. Take off heat when thickened and leave to cool
Every stove and pan is different. If your pot is thin, the jam is more likely to burn. If your stove runs hot, you may want to cook over low to medium heat and go higher only briefly. Don’t be afraid to add more water and let it cook down - that’s always better than having burnt jam and needing to start again.
Cookie Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 and put parchment paper on a baking sheet
2. Combine softened margarine, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a bowl. A hand mixer is best for this, but a vigorous whisking will also work just fine.
3. Add the flour gradually (and any other dry ingredients for flavouring) to the butter with a silicone spatula and keep integrating until the dough is a tight dough
4. Divide the dough and roll them into round balls, they should be tight and not have any cracks
5. Place your cookie balls on the parchment paper, evenly spaced with room for spreading - then lightly press down on the balls so they are slightly flattened
6. Use your thumbs to press into the center of the cookie in a heart formation - making a well for the jam. If your thumbs don’t press deep enough - you can use your knuckles.
7. If using home made jam, add a small amount of jam to the hearts (not filling it to the top)
8. Place in freezer until ready to bake or place directly in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
9. Take out cookies to cool, feel free to add more jam to the hearts if the well has dried out or spread.
Serve with fruits, coffee, or tea for a sweet Valentine’s treat!
