Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet, filled with your favorite jam for a delightful treat. Easy to make and great for any occasion, these cookies combine a tender shortbread-like dough with a sweet dollop of jam that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar (plus 3–4 tablespoons for rolling)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (260g) all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixer bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes and is key to creating a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Mix in Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined to add a warm, sweet aroma and flavor to the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to form the cookie dough. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized portions of dough, gently roll each into a ball, then roll in the additional sugar if using. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly.
- Create Thumbprints: Immediately press the centers of each dough ball down with your thumb, the end of a spatula, or the bottom of a measuring spoon. This indentation will hold the jam and helps prevent cracking during baking.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation, filling the centers generously but not overflowing.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Be careful not to overbake them to maintain a soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to set, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of jam you like, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for different tastes.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before pressing the thumbprint adds a lovely crunch and extra sweetness to the cookie edges.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Press the centers immediately after rolling to prevent the cookies from cracking during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
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