There’s something truly comforting about these classic Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe — a delicate cookie base with a sweet, jewel-like center of vibrant jam. Every bite bursts with buttery goodness and a pop of fruity flavor that just melts in your mouth. It’s a recipe that’s simple yet impressive, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe because it brings out the kid in all of us with its fun, playful shape, yet it’s truly sophisticated in taste. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times, tweaking with different jams and always getting rave reviews. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to nail even if you’re not a baking pro!
- Simplified Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, which makes it perfect for last-minute baking.
- Customizable Flavors: You can swap in your favorite jams or preserves to tailor it to your taste.
- Perfect Texture: Buttery, tender cookie with a crumbly edge and soft center—pure cookie bliss.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday spread, gift box, or just a quiet night at home, these cookies never disappoint.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe plays an important role, coming together to create that perfect balance between tender cookie and luscious jam center. It’s worth choosing quality butter and fresh jam to really elevate these bites.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for cookies that are tender but hold their shape.
- Baking powder: Gives just a slight lift so the cookie isn’t too dense.
- Fine salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I always soften it to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and the extra sugar you roll the dough balls in adds a slight crunch on the edges.
- Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
- Jam: The star of the show! Raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam all work wonderfully. Choose a thick, good-quality jam so it doesn’t run too much.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love switching up the jams depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, and I’ve even experimented with adding a little lemon zest to brighten the dough. You really can’t go wrong!
- Variation: My personal favorite is adding chopped nuts—like pistachios or almonds—sprinkled on top of the jam for extra crunch and elegance.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend and the cookies still turn out beautifully tender.
- Lower Sugar: For a lighter option, I reduce the sugar slightly and use a naturally sweetened jam—you can definitely taste the fruity punch without it being too sweet.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little prep step saves you from sticky situations later—and trust me, parchment is your best friend for cookies like these.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. I always give it a good mix so everything is nicely combined—that helps your dough come together evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer until fluffy, about 5 minutes. This step is key for a light, tender cookie, so don’t rush it. Your kitchen will smell amazing, too!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so just gently mix until no streaks remain.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing just until incorporated. You want a soft dough that still holds together but isn’t overworked.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop—it keeps things uniform and the cookies bake evenly. Roll each ball in sugar for that subtle crunch and sparkle once baked.
Step 7: Thumbprint & Fill
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to make a ½-inch deep indentation. Fill each with about ¾ teaspoon of your chosen jam—don’t overfill or it may spill over.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—you want a perfect light golden edge with a soft center. Let the cookies cool on the sheets to set the jam and firm up.
Top Tip
From making this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe dozens of times, a few tips have helped me get perfect cookies every time without any stress:
- Butter Temperature: Always use softened butter—not melted—for that fluffy creamed texture that translates into tender cookies.
- Don’t Overfill: Less is more when it comes to jam—too much and it will bubble over, too little and it won’t shine.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: It’s worth the investment! It helps you get consistent sizes and ensures even baking.
- Cooling Matters: Cooling on the baking sheet helps jam set properly and avoids breakage.
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies just before serving—it adds a lovely, gentle sweetness and makes them look extra inviting. Sometimes I add a few edible flower petals or finely chopped nuts for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm beverage like Earl Grey tea or a frothy latte. For a party, I like them alongside fresh fruit platters and mild cheeses—the fruity jam cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
On special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a tiered cake stand with fresh berries and mint sprigs around for a stunning, colorful display. They’re also adorable gift-wrapped in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a handwritten tag for neighbor or teacher gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, which is usually enough time to enjoy every last one!
Freezing
I’ve found that these cookies freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, pop them in a freezer-safe container separating layers with parchment paper. When I’m ready, I just thaw them at room temperature—no need to bake again.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave does the trick without softening the jam too much. You’ll get that freshly-baked feeling anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite jam or preserve. Thicker jams work best to avoid runny centers. Raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry are classics, but apricot or fig jams also taste amazing.
Don’t overfill the thumbprint indentation—about ¾ teaspoon is ideal. Using a thicker jam also helps. Baking at the right temperature (350°F) ensures the cookies cook evenly without the jam bubbling over.
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before shaping and baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
Yes, these cookies freeze very well. Once baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it’s foolproof, adaptable, and loved by everyone I share it with. It’s that comforting homemade touch that makes any day better. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—nothing beats the joy of biting into a perfectly baked cookie with a sweet little surprise inside!
Print
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade thumbprint cookies filled with your choice of raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam. These buttery cookies have a soft texture with a sweet, fruity center that makes them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), softened
- ⅔ cup sugar plus more for rolling
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Filling
- ⅓ cup raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a hand-held mixer to whip the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop, then roll each ball in sugar to coat evenly.
- Make Thumbprints: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a ½-inch deep indentation.
- Add Jam: Fill each thumbprint indentation with approximately ¾ teaspoon of your chosen jam flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack or serving plate.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and fluffier dough.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute the jam with any other fruit preserves or chocolate spread if desired.
- If you want crunchier cookies, bake for an extra 2–3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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