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Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

4.6 from 660 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar (plus 34 tablespoons for rolling)
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (260g) all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup jam, any flavor

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Mix in Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined to add a warm, sweet aroma and flavor to the dough.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Fill with Jam: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation, filling the centers generously but not overflowing.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

Keywords: Jam Thumbprint Cookies, thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, buttery cookies, classic cookie recipe, holiday cookies, easy baking recipe