If you’re searching for a delightful, nostalgic treat that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious to eat, this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These buttery, tender cookies with their lovely little wells filled with vibrant fruit jam offer the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and fruity. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind the wonderful warmth of vanilla and the fresh burst of your chosen jam. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or just a cozy way to brighten your day, this recipe brings simple ingredients together into a truly irresistible snack that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe relies on simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Every item plays its part in giving the cookies their perfect tender crumb, sweet flavor, and that handsome golden color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender texture, ensuring your cookies melt in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect golden color during baking.
- 1 large egg yolk: Binds the dough while adding a subtle richness and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with warm, fragrant notes that complement the fruit jam wonderfully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup fruit jam or preserves: The star of the show filling the cookie centers with your choice of raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or any favorite jam.
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a festive final touch and a little extra sweetness on top.
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3 minutes. This process is crucial—it adds air into the dough, giving your cookies that beautiful, tender bite.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until completely combined. This step adds moisture and rich flavor, elevating your cookie dough from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Combining these dry ingredients separately helps achieve an even distribution so each cookie has the perfect texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. The dough will be soft but manageable; avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing ensures the cookies have room to spread just slightly without merging.
Step 7: Make the Thumbprint
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press gently into the center of each cookie ball creating a small well. This indentation is the signature of the recipe and holds the fruity jam that makes these cookies so special.
Step 8: Fill with Jam
Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam or preserves into each indentation. This is where you can get creative with flavors, from vibrant raspberry to sweet apricot or classic strawberry.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure happiness in cookie form.
Step 10: Cool and Optional Dusting
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, you can optionally dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle your cooled Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe lightly with powdered sugar or decorate the jam center with tiny mint leaves or edible flowers. It adds a fresh look that’s perfect for parties or gifts.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break. They also go well alongside fresh fruit platters and creamy desserts, making them versatile for any dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your thumbprint cookies in a festive wreath shape or stack them artistically on a tiered dessert stand. You can also tie small cookie stacks with colorful ribbons for delightful homemade gifts that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 4 days. They hold their tender texture well and stay flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, just let them thaw for about 30 minutes or gently warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and intensifies the jam’s flavor.
FAQs
Can I use any type of jam for this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Whether raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jam, choose whatever flavor you love. Each jam brings its own unique sweetness and color, making each batch feel special.
What can I use if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, that works too—just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.
How do I prevent the jam from bubbling over during baking?
Use just a small amount, about 1/2 teaspoon per cookie, to avoid overflow. Also, try not to overfill the thumbprint indentation so the jam stays nicely contained.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Do I have to use powdered sugar for dusting?
Not at all—it’s completely optional. The powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness, but the cookies are wonderful without it too.
Final Thoughts
Making these Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe is such a joy—simple steps, welcoming ingredients, and a satisfying, sweet result every time. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies capture smiles and warm hearts with every bite. Give this recipe a try; I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your cookie collection!
Print
Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thumbprint Cookies are classic buttery treats filled with your choice of fruit jam or preserves. Soft, tender, and lightly golden, they offer a perfect balance of sweet dough and fruity filling, making them a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Filling
- 1/4 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, enhancing flavor and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture while mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape when pressed.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie ball without breaking the dough.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam or preserves into each indentation carefully.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden color.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a delicate finish.
Notes
- You can use any fruit jam or preserves you like, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- The indentation should be deep enough to hold jam but not so deep that it breaks the dough ball.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.
