Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies – Simple Holiday Baking Recipe
"Make perfect **jam thumbprint cookies** in 30 mins! Buttery, fruity, & easy—ideal for holiday baking. Try this **homemade cookies** recipe today!"
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Beat softened butter and ½ cup granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix the egg yolk, whole egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Whisk the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and shape it into a ball. For a sweet, crisp coating, roll the ball in the extra ½ cup of sugar if desired. Space the balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Press a small indentation into the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Spoon roughly ½ teaspoon of jam or preserves into each well.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool fully.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use high-quality jam (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry).
- Almond flour can be swapped for all-purpose flour.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Almond flour can be swapped for all-purpose flour.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Why Jam Thumbprint Cookies Stand Out
These cookies blend simplicity with elegance. The tender shortbread base contrasts beautifully with the vibrant jam filling. Originating from Sweden, they’ve become a global favorite, adaptable to any season or occasion.Essential Ingredients for Perfect Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Quality ingredients make all the difference:- Unsalted Butter – Room-temperature butter ensures a smooth, rich dough.
- Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and texture.
- Eggs – One yolk for richness, one whole egg for structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla enhances flavor depth.
- Flours – All-purpose for structure, almond flour for tenderness.
- Jam – Raspberry, apricot, or any favorite preserves.
Step-by-Step Jam Thumbprint Cookies Guide
- Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – Whisk flours and salt, then blend into wet mix.
- Shape Dough – Roll into balls, optionally coat in sugar.
- Create Thumbprints – Press centers gently with your thumb.
- Fill with Jam – Add a teaspoon per cookie.
- Bake – Until edges are golden.
Creative Jam Thumbprint Cookie Variations
- Seasonal Jams – Try cranberry for winter or peach for summer.
- Nutty Crunch – Roll dough in chopped pecans or pistachios.
- Citrus Twist – Add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Spiced Version – Mix cinnamon or cardamom into the flour.
- Chocolate Swap – Fill with ganache instead of jam.
Pro Tips for Flawless Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Chill dough 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Use thick jam to avoid bubbling over.
- Bake on parchment-lined sheets for even browning.
Jam Thumbprint Cookies FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
How do I prevent jam from bubbling?
Avoid overfilling wells and use thicker preserves.
More Cookie Recipes to Try
Explore our cookie collection for more inspiration. Don’t forget to save your favorites on Pinterest! Ready to bake? These jam thumbprint cookies promise buttery perfection with every bite. Share your creations and tag us!How to make easy jam thumbprint cookies at home?
These delightful cookies are surprisingly simple! Just prepare a basic dough, chill it briefly, then roll into balls and make thumbprint indentations. Fill each with your favorite jam, bake until golden, and enjoy these buttery treats fresh from the oven.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour in thumbprint cookies with other types?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is standard, you can swap it for alternatives like whole wheat flour (for a nuttier texture) or gluten-free blends. Note that different flours may slightly alter the cookie’s consistency.
How can I prevent my thumbprint cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough before baking is essential! This allows the butter to firm up, which stops the cookies from spreading excessively. Also, be sure to space them properly on the baking sheet and preheat your oven fully for best results.
