Jam thumbprint cookies are a sweet treat that features a buttery dough with a little indent in the center filled with fruity jam. They’re simple to make and oh-so-yummy!
Making these cookies is always a fun time! I love watching the jam bubble up while they bake. They’re perfect for sharing (or not!). Grab a glass of milk and enjoy every bite! 🍪🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for the right flavor balance. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I find butter delivers the best taste.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar, but it may change the color slightly.
Jam: I love raspberry jam for its bright flavor, but feel free to use your favorite! Strawberry or blackberry jam works just as well. If you need to avoid added sugars, look for all-natural fruit spreads.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. If you want a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for elasticity!
How Do I Get the Perfect Indentation for the Jam?
The key to a great thumbprint cookie is getting the indentation just right. You want it deep enough to hold the jam but still have a sturdy cookie.
- Lightly moisten your thumb or the back of a teaspoon before making the indentation. This helps prevent sticking.
- If you find your dough is too soft and sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping.
- Remember to press gently; too much pressure can break the cookie.
Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 12-15 minutes of baking time. To cool, let them sit for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. So, you can whip up these treats in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for a nice, airy texture in your cookies. Then, beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour so that every bite is perfectly flavored!
4. Mix It All Together:
Once the dry ingredients are ready, gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but should come together nicely.
5. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. For an extra touch of sweetness, roll each ball in a bit of extra granulated sugar until fully coated.
6. Create Indentations:
Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon), gently press down in the center of each dough ball to form a little well—be cautious not to press all the way through the dough!
7. Add the Jam:
Now, fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam. This is where the magic happens—the jam will get all bubbly and delicious as they bake.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of your cookies are lightly golden. Don’t worry if the jam bubbles a bit; it just means they’re going to be extra tasty!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they’re cooled, it’s time to enjoy your sweet and buttery jam thumbprint cookies!
This recipe yields about 20 to 24 cookies, depending on how big you make them. Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Jam for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit jam or preserves you like. Raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot work wonderfully. Just pick your favorite flavor!
How Do I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
You can easily adapt this recipe by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best cookie texture.
Can I Refrigerate the Cookie Dough Before Baking?
Yes! If your dough feels too soft or sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
