Buttery, delicate, and filled with vibrant jam, Thumbprint Cookies are a nostalgic treat that never fails to delight! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something special with your afternoon coffee, these classic cookies bring together melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and sweet fruit preserves in every bite. Their charming appearance and irresistible flavor make them a true crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Thumbprint Cookies require just a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role. It’s all about the balance: the richness of butter, a hint of sweet and nutty aroma, a sturdy but tender crumb, and sparkling, jewel-like jam.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness for the dough without being overwhelming, letting the jam really shine.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making the cookies taste comforting and familiar.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Lends an irresistible nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with fruity jam.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A must for balancing flavors and ensuring the sweetness never feels flat.
1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam: The star of the show! Choose your favorite variety—raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or mix and match for a colorful tray.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A snowy finish that adds a lovely sweet touch and pretty presentation.

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start your Thumbprint Cookies adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Getting these little details right means your cookies bake evenly and release beautifully every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is the foundation of a delicate, tender crumb and ensures the cookies hold onto that irresistible buttery taste.

Step 3: Add the Extracts

Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). This is where your kitchen starts to smell like pure comfort! The extracts add those characteristic warm and nutty notes that make Thumbprint Cookies so memorable.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the flour and salt to your wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable enough to handle—if it feels too sticky, a quick chill in the fridge for 15 minutes helps it firm up.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet for even baking. To make each cookie’s signature “thumbprint,” gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball, creating a small well for your jam. If the edges crack a bit, just nudge them back into shape—rustic is part of the charm!

Step 6: Fill with Jam

Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Don’t overfill—just enough to create a jewel-like center that peeks out once baked. The jam should be thick enough to stay put, so if yours is extra runny, consider stirring it first.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your Thumbprint Cookies for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are barely golden. This precise timing keeps the centers soft while the bottoms hold together, giving you that perfect contrast of textures in every bite.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes—this helps them set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a final flourish, dust with powdered sugar if you like—this turns them into true bakery showstoppers.

How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, give your Thumbprint Cookies a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh berries or a hint of finely chopped pistachios sprinkled on top of the jam add both flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Thumbprint Cookies play perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. If you’re building a dessert platter, serve them alongside other classic cookies or a plate of fresh fruit for a cheerful, inviting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your Thumbprint Cookies on a tiered stand for an elegant afternoon tea, or package them in gift boxes with ribbon for heartfelt homemade gifts. Mix up the jam flavors within one batch for a vibrant, mosaic-like arrangement that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Thumbprint Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Stack them with a layer of parchment between to prevent any sticking or jam smudging.

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream! Once they’re baked and cooled, place Thumbprint Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving and enjoy as if they were just baked.

Reheating

If you love your cookies ever-so-slightly warm, pop a few onto a baking tray and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2–3 minutes. The jam centers will turn glossy again and the cookies find their just-baked tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of jam in Thumbprint Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any fruit preserves you love or have on hand. Mixing and matching flavors in one batch adds both color and fun variety to your cookie platter.

Why did my Thumbprint Cookies crack when I pressed the centers?

A few small cracks are totally normal and have rustic charm. If you prefer perfectly smooth edges, gently press any cracks back together with your fingertips after making the indentations.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before shaping and baking. This is a great way to plan ahead for special occasions or busy schedules.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract or want to keep things extra simple, just use the same amount of vanilla extract. You can also try lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Are Thumbprint Cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?

Just skip the almond extract and double-check your jam for any hidden nut ingredients. The cookies themselves contain no nuts, so they can be a delicious nut-free treat.

Final Thoughts

Thumbprint Cookies are a true classic, blending buttery richness with jewel-toned jam into irresistible bites of happiness. I hope you’ll try this recipe and make it your own, whether you fill them with your favorite preserves or enjoy them fresh from the oven with loved ones. Happy baking!

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful thumbprint cookies are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery shortbread base and a sweet fruity jam filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to make and customizable with different jam flavors, they are a beloved favorite for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.

Ingredients

Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Make indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation in the center of each ball.
Add filling: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Cool and serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

Swap out the jam flavor to match the season or holiday.
If the cookie dough cracks slightly when pressing the centers, gently press the edges back together.
These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.