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5 from 4 votes

Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Learn how to make classic Thumbprint Cookies with your favorite jam filling! These cookies are always a hit and are very easy to make. Plus, you can customize them with different kinds of jam, so you never have to have them the same way twice!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 76kcal
Author: Dorothy Kern
Cost: $8

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter softened
  • cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cup (155g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup jam any flavor

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl using a hand or a stand mixer. Add extract, egg yolk, and salt. Slowly mix in flour until mixture is combined.
  • Scoop ¾-1 tablespoon size balls of dough. Roll between your palms to create a ball. Place on cookie sheet, 2-inches apart.
  • Use your knuckle or thumb, or the back of a 1/2 teaspoon, to press an indent in the center of each cookie. Fill each indent with a small bit of jam (about 1/4 teaspoon per cookie).
  • Bake, rotating pans throughout baking, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookie is no longer glossy and bottoms turn light golden.
  • Cool completely before removing from cookie sheets. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Notes

  • What the best way to make the thumbprint? You can use your finger or knuckle. Or use the handle of a wooden spoon. The thumbprint does not need to be big since you are only adding a small amount of jam.
  • Why did my thumbprint cookies spread? These cookies don’t have leavening, so they shouldn’t spread while they bake. Did you measure the flour using the spoon and level method? If you under or over measure the flour it can change the consistency of the dough.
  • How long can you keep thumbprint cookies? They will keep well at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.
  • Can I freeze thumbprint cookies? Yes, they freeze great! Once they are fully cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container. It’s a good idea to separate the layers with paper towels. This will keep them from sticking and will also absorb the moisture when you thaw them.
  • What jam flavors go with thumbprint cookies? For this recipe, pretty much any flavor will work. I really love raspberry thumbprint cookies – the taste is great, and I love the color. Feel free to experiment! 
  • Makes 24 3/4 tablespoon size cookies or about 18 1 tablespoon sized cookies

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg