Classic Homemade Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
These classic homemade thumbprint cookies feature a buttery dough filled with sweet, fruity jam, perfect for any occasion and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (160g) jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot recommended)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 2/3 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla: Mix in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until just combined.
- Sift in dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoons of chilled dough (about 1 tbsp or 15g each), roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Fill with jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the jam looks set. Check after 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough before shaping prevents spreading and keeps the thumbprint shape. Use room temperature egg yolk for smooth dough. Press thumbprints gently to avoid jam leakage. Check baking time closely to keep centers soft. Dough can be prepared a day ahead. For dairy-free, use plant-based margarine; for gluten-free, substitute with almond flour but chill longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookies, buttery cookies, classic cookies, holiday cookies