Editing How to Bake Jam Cookies (section)

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

1. Cream butter and sugar:
   Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.

2. Add wet ingredients: 
   Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.

3. Incorporate dry ingredients:
   Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.

4. Shape cookies:
   - Roll dough into 1-inch balls1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.
   - Place on lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart[1].

5. Create indentations:
   Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make a depression in the center of each cookie1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.

6. Chill dough (optional):
   Some recipes recommend chilling the shaped cookies for 30 minutes to prevent spreading[4].

7. Fill with jam:
   Add about 1/2 teaspoon of jam to each indentation1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.

8. Bake:
   - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   - Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.

9. Cool:
   Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack1<ref name="ref8">8</ref>.