Description
The perfect solution for thumbprint cookie cravings without the rolling. Featuring a rich shortbread base, a thick layer of fruit preserves, and a rustic crumble topping, these melt-in-your-mouth bars are a timeless holiday or tea party staple.
Ingredients
The Shortbread Dough
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 1/4 tsp salt
The Fruit Filling
- 3/4 to 1 cup thick fruit preserves (Raspberry, Apricot, or Strawberry)
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with a parchment ‘sling’.
Cream: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and extracts.
Dough: Gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Layer: Press 2/3 of dough into the pan. Spread jam over, leaving a 1/4-inch border.
Top: Crumble the remaining 1/3 dough over the jam layer.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 mins until golden. Cool completely before lifting and slicing.
Notes
The ‘Jam Dam’ Secret: The 1/4-inch dough border prevents jam from burning and sticking to the pan edges.
Almond is Key: This is the secret to a professional bakery flavor that elevates the fruit preserves.
Chilling the Crumble: If the dough is too soft to crumble, chill for 10 mins to create distinct, rustic pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack Bars
- Method: Press-and-Bake
- Cuisine: American Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0.4
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: traditional thumbprint bars, jam shortbread bars, easy fruit bars, raspberry almond bars, thumbprint cookie bars, one pan dessert recipes