If you have a sweet tooth and love a little burst of fruity goodness in your cookies, this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These charming little cookies combine a tender, buttery base with a vibrant dollop of jam right at the center, creating a perfect balance of rich texture and bright flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a delightful contrast between the crumbly cookie and the juicy jam. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these thumbprint cookies never fail to impress and bring everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe so wonderful is how simple and straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. The buttery richness, the light sweetness, and that pop of fruitiness all come together to create a cookie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): The foundation of the cookie’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (⅔ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s light browning.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the flavor with a fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the jam.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that holds the cookie together while remaining tender.
- Jam (¼ cup): Choose seedless raspberry or apricot for a luscious, jewel-like filling.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup for coating): Provides a sparkling, sweet crust before baking.
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
Start by beating the room temperature unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb and slight lift.
Step 2: Add flavor and salt
Next, pour in your choice of vanilla or almond extract along with the kosher salt. Mix everything until just combined. This step layers in aromatic depth and balances the sweetness, making your cookies irresistibly flavorful right from the dough.
Step 3: Incorporate the flour
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix just until the dough starts to come together; if needed, finish bringing it into a ball by hand. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Chill the dough
Roll the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies stay perfectly shaped during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking—crucial for cookies that should hold their delicate shape.
Step 6: Shape, sugar coat, and fill:
Pour ⅓ cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of chilled dough, roll it into a smooth ball, and coat it generously in the sugar. Place the coated balls on your baking sheets, spaced apart because they will spread slightly. Then, gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create an indentation. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam, careful not to overfill or it might overflow during baking.
Step 7: Bake and cool
Bake the cookies for 14-15 minutes until the edges turn just golden brown. They should look set but still soft in the center. Remove the trays from the oven and let the cookies cool for one minute on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling on the tray helps the cookies set perfectly without breaking.
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cooled cookies to add a pretty, snow-like effect. For an extra special touch, fresh mint leaves or edible flowers beside the platter add a fresh note and elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon tea parties or cozy mornings. They also complement vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand with assorted jams so guests can customize their filling. You can also sandwich two thumbprint cookies with jam in the center for a double dose of happiness. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted chocolate over the jam for an added layer of indulgence and eye-catching detail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for your busy schedule or last-minute guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough before baking by shaping it into balls and spacing them on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, toss frozen dough balls directly into the oven, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This gently softens the jam and butter flavors to their original melt-in-your-mouth glory without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of jam for this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe?
Absolutely! While apricot and seedless raspberry are classics, feel free to experiment with your favorite jams like strawberry, blueberry, or even fig. Just make sure the jam isn’t too watery to prevent spreading during baking.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms it up for easier handling and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Plus, it enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure the blend you choose is suitable for cookies and contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough together.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?
Press your thumb indent gently but firmly to create a good well, and don’t overfill with jam—about ½ teaspoon is perfect. Using slightly thicker jam or preserves rather than runny jelly also helps keep things tidy.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe highly enough for anyone craving a cozy, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious cookie. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly versatile, and sure to become a staple in your baking lineup. Gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and make some sweet memories with these charming treats!
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Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender cookies with a delightful jam-filled center. These easy-to-make cookies combine a rich, creamy dough rolled in sugar with a sweet dollop of apricot or seedless raspberry jam, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking, they offer a wonderful balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For Filling and Coating
- ¼ cup jam (apricot and seedless raspberry recommended)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Add Flavorings and Salt: Mix in the vanilla or almond extract and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, reduce the mixer speed to low, and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix until a dough forms, finishing by hand if necessary to bring the dough together.
- Chill the Dough: Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up and develop flavor.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Place the ⅓ cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, roll it into a ball, then coat each ball thoroughly in the sugar before placing them spaced on the baking sheet.
- Create Thumbprint and Fill: Press the thumb into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your choice of jam.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 14-15 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to help the cookies retain their shape.
- You can substitute jam flavors based on preference, but seedless varieties work best for filling.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure even baking and easy removal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
