There’s something magical about the smell of buttery cookies baking on a cold December afternoon. Thumbprint Cookies bring that feeling home. They’re tender, buttery shortbread cookies filled with glistening pools of jam that sparkle like stained glass. Simple, cozy, and always festive, these little gems are the heart of every Christmas cookie tray.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Thumbprint Cookies come together quickly and taste like pure nostalgia.
- You need just a handful of pantry ingredients.
- Each bite is soft in the center with lightly crisp edges.
- You can fill them with any jam or curd you love.
- They freeze beautifully, making them perfect for gifting ahead of the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Key Ingredients
Butter is the soul of this cookie. It creates the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg yolks make the dough tender and slightly chewy.
Vanilla adds warmth that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
Flour provides structure and keeps the cookies delicate, not dense.
Optional Add-Ons
You can roll the dough balls in sugar for a subtle crunch. Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can also add texture. For something playful, try different jam flavors—raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a bright twist.
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1 – Make the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream softened butter and sugar for about two minutes until smooth. Then mix in egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Slowly add flour and keep mixing. The dough might look crumbly at first, but keep going until it forms a soft ball.
Step 2 – Shape and Fill
Scoop one tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and if you like, roll it in sugar. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheets. Press a thumb or the back of a wooden spoon into the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of jam—about half a teaspoon.
Step 3 – Bake and Cool
Bake for 12–14 minutes until the tops are set and the bottoms are slightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for ten minutes, then move them to a wire rack. The jam will set as they cool, creating that glossy, jewel-like finish.
Expert Baking Tips
- Always spoon and level your flour to keep the dough light.
- Keep mixing even if the dough looks dry; it will come together.
- Don’t overbake. Look for pale tops and golden bottoms.
- Use quality jam like Bonne Maman for rich, fruity flavor.
- If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before rolling.
Storage and Freezing
Storing Baked Cookies
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to four days. They stay fresh and buttery.
Freezing Options
You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for the same amount of time. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, fill with jam, and bake as usual.
Flavor Variations
Try strawberry jam for classic flavor. Use apricot for a hint of tartness. For something indulgent, fill them with raspberry jam and a drop of almond extract. Lemon curd or chocolate ganache makes them luxurious, while a sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds festive color.
Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Card
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Thumbprint Cookies – Simple, Delicious, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 42 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery shortbread Thumbprint Cookies with soft centers and jewel-bright jam. Simple to make, cozy to share, and perfect for Christmas trays or a tea break.
Ingredients
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
3 tbsp (40g) granulated sugar, optional for rolling
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/3 cups (290g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 cup strawberry or apricot jam (or your favorite jam)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
2. Cream softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Mix in egg yolks, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
4. Add flour. Mix until dough comes together. It may look crumbly at first.
5. Scoop 1 tablespoon portions. Roll into balls, then optionally roll in 3 tbsp sugar.
6. Place on prepared sheets. Press an indentation in each with your thumb or a wooden spoon handle.
7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon jam.
8. Bake 12 to 14 minutes until tops are set and bottoms are lightly golden.
9. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Yield: about 42 cookies. Serving size: 1 cookie.
Storage: airtight at room temperature or fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing baked cookies: up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Freezing dough: roll into balls and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Indent, fill, and bake.
Tips: spoon and level flour. Mix until dough forms. Avoid overbaking.
Jam ideas: strawberry, apricot, raspberry, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache.
If eggs are cold, place in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before separating.
If dough feels soft, chill 15 minutes before shaping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love jam-filled treats, check out Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies for a Twist on a Classic.
Craving something fruity? Try Soft Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies for Fruity Cookie Lovers or Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake for a Berry-Licious Dessert.
FAQ
What is thumbprint cookie?
Thumbprint cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies with a small jam-filled center. The indentation is traditionally made with your thumb.
Do you fill thumbprint cookies before or after baking?
Fill them before baking so the jam sets perfectly as the cookies bake.
Why is it called thumbprint cookies?
Because you press your thumb into the dough to create the little pocket for the jam.
What’s the secret to a tender thumbprint cookie?
Softened butter, room-temperature yolks, and not overmixing the dough keep them soft and crumbly.
Final Thoughts
These Thumbprint Cookies bring a little joy to any day. They’re simple, comforting, and pretty enough for a cookie exchange or a cozy night in with tea. If you bake these, leave a comment or share your favorite jam flavor—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!
You can also follow me on Pinterest or join our baking chats on Facebook for more cookie inspiration.