Description
Classic Thumbprint Cookies with buttery, tender dough and a bright raspberry jam center. Simple to prep, fun to shape, and perfect for Christmas trays or sweet afternoon tea.
Ingredients
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg yolk
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
⅓ cup (105 g) jam or preserves of choice
Instructions
1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add both sugars, mix until well combined.
3. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry mixture to wet, mix until combined (dough will be crumbly).
6. Scoop dough into 1 tbsp balls, roll until smooth with no cracks.
7. Optional: Roll in sugar.
8. Create an indent in center using thumb or rounded spoon.
9. Place shaped dough on plate or tray and chill in freezer for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Soften jam slightly in microwave for 5 to 10 seconds, then spoon into indents.
12. Place cookies on parchment lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
13. Bake for 11 minutes or until edges are just golden.
14. Cool completely on baking sheet before serving.
Notes
Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for accuracy.
Smooth dough balls thoroughly to prevent cracking.
Add jam before baking.
Do not use a warm baking sheet to avoid cookie spreading.
If jam is too thick, microwave briefly to loosen, not hot.
Re indent cookies if jam is added after baking.
Jam options are flexible. Use any favorite flavor or seedless versions.
Cookies can be stacked after cooling. Jam remains tacky but firm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 53 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg