Thumbprint Cookies – Buttery, Jam-Filled Perfection
Few cookies are as nostalgic or universally loved as thumbprint cookies. Soft, buttery dough rolled in sugar, gently pressed with a thumbprint (or spoon!) and filled with glossy jam—what’s not to love? Whether you’re baking for a holiday, tea party, or cozy afternoon at home, these cookies deliver joy in every bite.
And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and customizable with your favorite jam flavors.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
These thumbprint cookies are buttery and rich with just the right crumbly texture. The combination of vanilla and almond extract gives them a beautiful depth of flavor, while the jam filling adds a pop of color and fruity sweetness.
I also love that this recipe makes a perfect small-batch or double-worthy big-batch bake, depending on your cookie cravings.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam (or use a mix!)
🔁 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Almond Extract: Enhances the dough flavor, but you can omit or replace with more vanilla.
- Jam: Raspberry and apricot are classics, but feel free to use strawberry, peach, or even lemon curd.
- Add-Ons: For an extra twist, top with chopped nuts after filling or drizzle with white chocolate after baking.
👨🍳 How to Make Thumbprint Cookies – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
- Add egg yolk, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and mix on low until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape & Fill
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each into a ball, then roll in the extra granulated sugar.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
- Use the back of a rounded teaspoon or your thumb to gently press an indentation into each dough ball.
- Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the centers with jam—it can bubble over while baking.
- If dough cracks when pressing the center, just smooth it out with your fingers.
- Use seedless jam for a smooth texture and better piping.
- Chill dough for 10–15 minutes before baking if it’s too soft to shape easily.
🍽️ Serving & Pairing Ideas
These cookies are excellent with a cozy drink or on a dessert platter with:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Easy Coconut Macaroons
- Easter Cookies
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Edible Cookie Dough
Pair with hot cocoa, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (without jam if preferred) for up to 2 months. Thaw and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Jam Note: If freezing after filling, choose thicker jams or curds to avoid weeping during thawing.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, gifting a tin to friends, or just want something sweet to go with your afternoon tea, these classic Thumbprint Cookies are the way to go. Buttery, jammy, and joyfully nostalgic, they’re the perfect mix of elegance and comfort.
Tried them out? Share your batch with us on social @ChefManiac and tag your favorite jam flavor! We’d love to feature your cookies in our next baking roundup.
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