There’s nothing quite like the cozy charm of a classic cookie, and this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe truly hits that sweet spot. Soft buttery dough meets a jewel-toned dollop of jam, creating a perfect little treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to enjoy.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Whenever I bake these Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe, I’m reminded why they hold a special place in the cookie jar. They’re straightforward enough for a midweek treat but special enough for holiday gatherings—plus, there’s so much room to play with jam flavors.
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry, making it a stress-free bake.
- Customizable jam options: Swap in your favorite berry or stone fruit preserves to make it your own.
- Perfect texture balance: Buttery and tender with just the right amount of chewy jam goodness.
- Kid-friendly and fun: Pressing the thumbprint and filling the jam is a delightful way to get little helpers involved.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic in this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe comes from classic, well-balanced ingredients that combine to create a buttery, tender cookie base with a pop of sweet jam. Each element has its role, and choosing good-quality basics will really pay off.
- All-purpose flour: Provides that familiar cookie structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives a subtle lift so the cookies stay soft and airy.
- Fine salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness from the sugar and jam.
- Unsalted butter: Butter is the heart of this cookie—makes it rich and gives texture. Using unsalted lets you control the salt perfectly.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a delicate crunch when you roll the cookie dough balls in it before baking.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and adds a little richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth that compliments the fruit jam.
- Berry jam (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry): The jewel-like center that adds flavor bursts and moisture—choose a jam you love to really shine.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe—swapping out jams or adding a little zest to the dough. You should definitely try your own twist because making the recipe yours is half the fun!
- Variation: I’ve had great results using apricot or even fig jam to add a more complex sweetness—and you might be surprised how delicious that is!
- Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free version, swap butter for a plant-based alternative; just make sure it’s solid and chilled to get the right texture.
- Crunch factor: Rolling some of the dough balls in finely chopped nuts before baking adds a fantastic nutty crunch that’s irresistible.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. This makes sure your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed—trust me, skipping this step can result in uneven texture or taste.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Using a hand mixer, whip your softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 5 minutes. This step is key because it traps air in the mixture, giving your cookies a tender texture instead of dense lumps.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—just a few quick pulses will do to keep the dough tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add your flour mixture gradually, in two parts, stirring gently after each addition until everything just comes together. Overworking the dough here will make the cookies tough—take it slow.
Step 5: Shape Dough and Add the Famous Thumbprint
Grab a cookie scoop or spoon and form 1-inch dough balls. Roll them in sugar for an extra hint of sweetness and slight crunch. Space them around 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, press a deep thumbprint about ½ inch into each ball—it helps if you dip your thumb in flour or sugar first so the dough doesn’t stick.
Step 6: Fill the Thumbprint with Jam and Bake
Spoon about ¾ teaspoon of your favorite jam into each indentation. Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for around 15 minutes, or until their edges just start to turn golden. Watch closely near the end to catch them at the perfect soft-but-set stage.
Step 7: Let Them Cool and Enjoy!
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they firm up as they cool but remain tender inside. Then, dive in with a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of pure bliss.
Top Tip
When I first made these Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe, I learned a few little things that really elevated my results—and I’m excited to share them so you can bake confident cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Softened butter is key: It should be soft but not melty; this ensures your dough creams smoothly for a fluffy texture.
- Use a light hand when mixing: Overmixing the dry ingredients will make the cookies dense—mix just until no flour pockets remain.
- Keep your thumbprint neat: Press firmly but gently and dip your finger in sugar first to keep the indent smooth and prevent sticking.
- Watch the bake time: Check around 12 minutes to avoid overbaking – you want soft edges with just a hint of golden brown.
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Garnishes
I like a simple dusting of powdered sugar over my finished thumbprint cookies. It adds a pretty “snow-kissed” look and a touch of delicate sweetness without overpowering the jam. Sometimes, a tiny fresh mint leaf or edible flower on top makes them look extra special for company.
Side Dishes
This cookie goes perfectly with a hot cup of Earl Grey or your favorite fruity herbal tea. If you want to elevate it for a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries and a cheese platter—it's all about balance between fruity, creamy, and sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
I once arranged thumbprint cookies in a layered glass trifle bowl, alternating jam colors and cookie layers, then topped with whipped cream. It was a showstopper at a party and super easy to portion out. Another I love is stacking them tied with a rustic ribbon in little cookie gift bags—they make a wonderful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together, keeping their lovely shape and texture intact.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the dough balls (without jam) on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw slightly, press the thumbprint, add jam, and bake as usual. This makes fresh cookies super convenient to enjoy anytime!
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to gently warm without drying. The jam softens, and the cookie regains its tender, just-baked charm—you’ll swear they’re fresh out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Homemade jam is a fantastic choice that adds a personal touch. Just make sure your jam isn’t too runny, which can make the cookies soggy during baking. A thicker jam or preserves work best.
Pressing a deep enough thumbprint (about ½ inch) helps contain the jam. Using just the right amount—about ¾ teaspoon—also prevents overflow. Baking at a steady temperature and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet ensures even cooking and less mess.
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. I recommend one with xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the dough. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly depending on the blend used.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 5 days. Beyond that, the cookie can start to dry out, but they freeze well if you want to keep them longer.
Final Thoughts
This Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s both nostalgic and infinitely adaptable. It’s an easy way to bake something that feels homemade and special, whether it’s a quiet afternoon snack or a treat to brighten someone’s day. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how these charming little cookies bring a smile every single time.
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and classic thumbprint cookies filled with your choice of raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam. These buttery cookies have a delicate texture with a sweet jam center, perfect for tea time or holiday baking.
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 and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, use a hand-held mixer to whip the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two additions, gently mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form cookie balls and roll in sugar: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in additional sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Arrange on baking sheets and make indentations: Place the sugared 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.
- Fill with jam: Spoon approximately ¾ teaspoon of your choice of raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam into each indentation carefully to avoid overflow.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets completely before transferring or serving to let them set and avoid breaking.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and better texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- You can substitute jam flavors according to preference.
- Press your thumb firmly but gently to avoid flattening the cookie.
- If you do not have a cookie scoop, use a tablespoon to measure the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 55 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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