Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Thumbprint cookies are delicate, buttery treats filled with vibrant jam that add a burst of flavor in every bite. These classic cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of soft dough and sweet fruit filling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ cup jam, any flavor (seedless raspberry recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Step 2: In a standing mixer bowl or a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
4. Step 4: Add the sifted flour and sea salt, then beat on medium-high speed until the dough forms large crumbs and pinches together easily.
5. Step 5: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a ball.
6. Step 6: Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets and press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a well, slightly flattening the cookies.
7. Step 7: Fill each well with about 1 teaspoon of jam, being careful not to let it overflow.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the cookies start to turn golden brown around the edges.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—or enjoy them slightly warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use different jam flavors like apricot, strawberry, or blackberry to change up the taste.
• For a festive twist, sprinkle a little sanding sugar on top before baking.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly or use a tart jam.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.

Storage

Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is generally not necessary, but you can warm them briefly in a low oven to soften the jam.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to the dough to balance the flavors.

What if I don’t have a thumb to make the indentation?

You can use the back of a small spoon or a rounded utensil to press the wells for the jam filling.

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 67 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delightfully buttery and tender thumbprint cookies filled with your favorite jam, perfect for any occasion. These classic treats have a soft crumbly texture with a sweet jam center, combining simple ingredients to create an irresistible homemade cookie.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup salted butter
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Filling

• ¾ cup jam (any flavor, preferably seedless raspberry)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside for later.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a standing mixer or a large bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Pause occasionally to scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
3. Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined with the creamed butter and sugar.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to the wet ingredients. Beat on medium-high speed until the dough forms large crumbs and can be pinched together easily without crumbling.
5. Shape dough balls: Measure out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll each portion into a ball shape.
6. Create thumbprints: Arrange the dough balls spaced evenly on the prepared cookie sheets. Using your thumb, press into the center of each ball to create a small well and slightly flatten the cookie.
7. Add jam filling: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each thumbprint well, being careful not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
8. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy warm for a softer texture.

Notes

• Use seedless jam to prevent the filling from spilling over the edges.
• Make sure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• You can experiment with different jam flavors like apricot, strawberry, or blueberry.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, buttery cookies, homemade cookies, classic cookies, raspberry jam cookies