There's something truly delightful about the little burst of fruit tucked in the center of a buttery cookie. This Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe has been my go-to when I want a treat that’s both simple to make and downright irresistible. Trust me, these little beauties bring warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made thumbprint cookies countless times for friends and family, and what I love most is how versatile and forgiving the recipe is. Whether it’s a weekday treat or holiday gift, these cookies shine every time.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry already, so it's easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Buttery dough meets sweet and tangy jam for a taste that'll make you smile.
- Customizable Fillings: You can switch up the jam flavors to suit your mood or the season.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies are pretty, portable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe brings together classic baking staples with a bright jam center that keeps things fun. Each ingredient plays its part to create a texture that’s tender yet crisp and a flavor that’s balanced just right.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy base for the cookie, providing structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so your cookies aren’t too dense.
- Fine salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the show—room temperature is key for that creamy, fluffy dough.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that golden, tender crumb.
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives richness.
- Vanilla extract: A warming note that brings harmony to the flavors.
- Fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry): Your fun, fruity surprise in each cookie; swap depending on your favorite or what’s seasonal.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve played around with different jams and even little add-ins to keep things interesting.
- Variation: I once added a handful of finely chopped nuts to the dough for a nice crunch, and it was a hit at a weekend brunch—totally worth trying!
- Jam swap: Feel free to experiment with apricot, cherry, or even homemade marmalade for an unexpected twist.
- Flavored dough: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough can really brighten the cookies, especially during holiday seasons.
- Dietary mods: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and gluten-free flour blend for allergy-friendly versions.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Mix
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—that way, your cookies won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine salt. This helps to evenly distribute everything so you get consistent cookie texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Next, in a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy—about 5 minutes. I know it can feel like forever, but this step is totally worth it because it traps air and makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once you have that creamy mixture, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix here—just enough to get everything incorporated.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so take it easy.
Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Thumbprint
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop dough balls and roll them in extra sugar—it gives a little sparkle and crunch on the outside. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Then, gently press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each ball about ½ inch deep to create that classic thumbprint. Don’t worry if your first ones aren’t perfect — that rustic look is charming.
Step 6: Fill with Jam and Bake
Fill each indentation with roughly ¾ teaspoon of fruit jam; I love raspberry for its bright tartness, but strawberry or blueberry work beautifully too. Bake for around 15 minutes until the cookie edges turn golden. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets to set the jam and avoid breakage. They’ll firm up as they cool but stay soft and buttery inside—just what you want.
Top Tip
After making this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe more times than I can count, a few little tricks have really helped me nail perfect results every time.
- Softened Butter is a Must: If your butter is cold, the dough won’t come together smoothly. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes or soften gently in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Don’t Overfill the Jam: Too much jam can spill over while baking and make a sticky mess. I use about ¾ teaspoon and it’s just right.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly with nice bottoms.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so check for golden edges around the 12-minute mark and adjust accordingly.
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite way to dress up these cookies is with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. It makes them look special but keeps the focus on that colorful jam center. For holiday parties, a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios adds a lovely crunch and festive touch.
Side Dishes
Thumbprint cookies are delightful alongside a cup of tea or coffee. At brunches, I like to serve them with fresh fruit and a mild cheese platter—the balance of sweet and savory keeps things interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or celebrations, I arrange these cookies in decorative tins or tiered trays. I've also tied small cookie stacks with a pretty ribbon for a handmade, heartfelt gift that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps keep the cookie texture perfect without drying out. If you notice the jam is sticky, just a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving can freshen them up.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing the baked cookies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight at room temperature, and they taste just as fresh.
Reheating
If you want to warm up the cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture and warms the jam slightly without burning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry are classic choices, feel free to get creative with your favorite jams or preserves. Just make sure the jam is not too runny to avoid spreading too much during baking.
Make sure your butter is softened (not melted) and avoid over-mixing the dough. Also, chill the dough for about 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm, which helps cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking to ensure even baking.
Store leftover thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap inside a sealed container for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I bake this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe, I feel like I’m carrying on a lovely tradition that’s both simple and satisfying. There’s something so comforting about those soft, buttery cookies with a jewel of fruit jam in the center. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do — they’re perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon.
Print
Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Thumbprint Cookies featuring a tender buttery dough with a sweet jam center, perfect for teatime or holiday treats. These cookies are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection with a delightful burst of fruity flavor.
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 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Filling
- ⅓ cup raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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 a separate large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to whip the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until just combined to keep the dough tender.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing gently and only until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in additional sugar to create a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Prepare for Filling: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Create Thumbprints: Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each dough ball to create a ½-inch deep indentation for the jam filling.
- Add Jam: Spoon approximately ¾ teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation, filling the centers evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets to set before transferring to a wire rack or serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use a hand-held mixer for fluffier, well-creamed butter and sugar.
- You can substitute the jam with any flavor you prefer, such as apricot or lemon curd.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a nice crunch and sparkle to the finished cookies.
- Be careful not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- If you don’t have a cookie scoop, roll dough by hand into uniform balls.
- The thumbprint indentation should be deep enough to hold the jam without spillage during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 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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