Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling); ½ cup raspberry and/or apricot jam (or your favorite flavor)

Posted on November 30, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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These delightful thumbprint cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. Their soft, buttery texture combined with a sweet jam filling makes them not only beautiful but also perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they don’t require chilling the dough, making them an easy treat to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: No chilling required means you can bake these cookies in no time.
Customizable Flavors: Fill them with your favorite jams or jellies for a personal touch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night at home.
Beautiful Presentation: Their charming look makes them a hit at gatherings.
Fun for Kids: A great baking activity that kids will enjoy participating in.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious thumbprint cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Teaspoon measuring spoon

Why These Tools Matter

Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and creamy texture quickly and easily.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup on your baking sheets.

Ingredients

These thumbprint cookies are soft, buttery cookies that are rolled in sugar and filled with jam. They’re so pretty and also one of the best cookies I’ve ever tasted! You don’t need to chill the cookie dough for this easy recipe.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
½ cup raspberry and/or apricot jam (or your favorite flavor)

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Extracts

Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour on low speed. The dough will be firm but should come together nicely.

Step 5: Roll Cookie Dough Balls

Place 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a wide, shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 2½ inches apart.

Step 6: Create Wells for Jam

Use the back of a round teaspoon measuring spoon to press a well into each cookie ball. The balls will flatten slightly as you create wells. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each well.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until the bottoms are just starting to lightly brown. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies

These delightful thumbprint cookies can be served in a variety of ways to enhance their presentation and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, here are some serving suggestions to make them even more enjoyable.

With a Cup of Tea

Pair your thumbprint cookies with a warm cup of herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange assorted thumbprint cookies on a colorful dessert platter, alongside other cookies and sweets. This makes an inviting display for any occasion.

With Fresh Fruits

Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the jam-filled cookies perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate

Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of indulgence. Dark or white chocolate works wonderfully!

How to Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

To ensure your thumbprint cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use room temperature butter: This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
Don’t skip the chilling: Although this recipe doesn’t require chilling, if you find the dough too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before shaping.
Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour into the measuring cup, which can lead to dry cookies.
Experiment with jams: Try different flavors like strawberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd for unique twists on this classic cookie.
Press gently: When creating wells for the jam, press just enough to make an impression without flattening the cookie too much.

Best Side Dishes for Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances the richness of thumbprint cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair nicely with sweet flavors.
Coffee or Espresso: These beverages provide a rich backdrop that enhances the taste of the buttery cookies.
Milkshake: A creamy milkshake—vanilla or strawberry—offers a fun and nostalgic pairing.
Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and saltiness that contrasts well with the sweet cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making thumbprint cookies can be simple, yet there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the butter softening step: It’s crucial to use softened butter for a creamy texture. If the butter is too hard, it won’t blend well with the sugar, affecting the cookie’s consistency.
Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure you get the right amounts of flour and sugar.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Once you combine the flour, mix just until incorporated for tender thumbprint cookies.
Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, taking them out when they are lightly browned on the bottom for optimal texture.
Forgetting to preheat the oven: Preheating ensures even baking. Always make sure your oven is at 350°F before placing your cookies inside.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container.
They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Thumbprint Cookies

Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Thumbprint Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Thumbprint Cookies?

Thumbprint cookies are soft, buttery treats that feature a sweet jam filling in their center. They’re popular for their delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Can I use different types of jam for Thumbprint Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavor of jam or preserve that you enjoy—raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd work wonderfully!

How do I prevent my Thumbprint Cookies from spreading?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted and avoid overmixing your dough. Chilling the dough slightly before baking can also help control spreading.

How can I customize my Thumbprint Cookies?

You can add nuts or chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking. This adds extra flavor and texture!

Conclusion

These thumbprint cookies are not only easy to make but also offer delightful versatility with flavors and fillings. Their beautiful appearance makes them perfect for any occasion, whether you want a sweet treat for guests or just something special for yourself. Try customizing them with your favorite jams or toppings for a unique twist!