Name: Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 ¼ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup jam (raspberry, strawberry, marmalade, or your choice); 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk

If you’ve ever wanted to make a classic cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these cookies strike the perfect balance between buttery, crumbly dough and the sweet, zingy burst of jam right in the center. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy weekend treat, or just because, you’ll find that these cookies are as fun to make as they are to devour. So grab your apron, and let me walk you through all the tips and tricks to get these just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand, making it perfect for last-minute baking cravings.
Perfect Texture: A buttery crumb with just the right tenderness that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Jam Choices: Customize with your favorite jams for a personal touch every time.
Beautiful Presentation: Topped with a delicate almond glaze that makes these cookies party-ready.

The image shows round cookies with a thick, light golden dough forming the base and a well in the center filled with glossy, deep red jam. Each cookie has three white icing stripes drizzled across the top, running parallel and spaced evenly. One cookie in the middle has a large bite taken out of it, revealing a crumbly, soft inside. The cookies rest on a light brown paper surface with a few crumbs scattered nearby. The overall look is soft and inviting, with the jam standing out against the pale dough and icing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Jam Thumbprint Cookies, thumbprint cookie recipe, homemade jam cookies, buttery jam cookies, holiday cookie recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a cookie dough that’s rich and buttery but easy to handle, while the jam adds bursts of fruity flavor that keep you coming back for more. When selecting your jam, I recommend something not overly runny to avoid spreading in the oven, which can be tricky to manage.

Flat lay of a small block of unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl holding pure vanilla extract, a few grains of sea salt scattered near, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of vibrant red strawberry jam, a small white bowl of confectioners' sugar, a small white bowl with almond extract, and a small white bowl with milk, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Jam Thumbprint Cookies, thumbprint cookie recipe, homemade jam cookies, buttery jam cookies, holiday cookie recipes

Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams well with the sugar.
Granulated Sugar: Gives just the right sweetness and helps with texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the dough flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies; make sure to measure accurately for best results.
Jam: Use your favorite—raspberry, strawberry, or marmalade all work beautifully.
Confectioners’ Sugar (for glaze): Creates that lovely smooth glaze that brings everything together.
Almond Extract (for glaze): Adds a subtle nutty note that complements the jam.
Milk: Just enough to thin the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is super flexible. Over the years, I’ve found some fun ways to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these your own!

Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts (like pistachios or pecans) to the dough for extra crunch—I started doing this when I wanted a little more texture, and my family went crazy for it.
Jam Swaps: Try marmalade for a zesty bite or blueberry jam for a deeper, less sweet flavor. I often use homemade jams because they taste fresher and I can control the sweetness.
Glaze Flavors: Swap almond extract in the glaze with lemon or orange extract for a citrusy zing that brightens up the cookies in spring.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a mix of almond flour and gluten-free flour blends to make these suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming is Key

Start by using a stand mixer or a hand mixer to cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed. You want to get it light and fluffy—that usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step makes a big difference in your cookie’s texture. If you skip or rush it, your cookies might turn out dense instead of tender.

Step 2: Mixing in the Flavors and Flour

Add the vanilla extract and salt to the creamed butter and sugar, then keep beating on medium until everything is incorporated. Next, slowly add the flour while mixing on low speed. This helps prevent flour clouds flying all over your kitchen! Once the flour is mixed in, your dough might look a bit crumbly—that’s normal. Just gather it into a ball with your hands.

Step 3: Chill Out

Wrap your dough tightly with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is a lifesaver—I learned this the hard way when my cookies spread too much in the oven. Chilling helps the dough firm up, so your thumbprints stay nicely defined and don’t flatten out.

Step 4: Forming and Filling the Cookies

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about a tablespoon of dough, then roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on the tray with ample space to breathe. Press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each ball to make the signature thumbprint indentation—don’t press too hard or the dough will crack up the sides. Carefully fill each indentation with jam, but be mindful not to overfill since the jam can bubble out during baking.

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

Pop the cookie sheet into the fridge while your oven heats up. This little pause firms up the dough again, so the cookies bake tidily without merging together.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. I always set a timer since they can go from perfect to overdone pretty quickly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Glaze Time

Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl. You want your glaze to be smooth but not too runny, so add the remaining milk a teaspoon at a time until you’ve reached a nice drizzling consistency. You can drizzle it over the cookies with a spoon or a piping bag with a fine tip for a more elegant look. Let the glaze set for 1-2 hours before serving or storing.

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Pro Tips for Making Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: This helps the sugar cream more easily, which is essential for that light, tender texture.
Chill Twice: I always chill my dough before and after shaping the cookies—it stops spreading and keeps the jam in place.
Jam Thickness Matters: Using thick jams or preserves prevents the filling from running over during baking, ensuring neat cookies.
Glazing Care: Wait until the cookies are completely cooled before glazing, or the glaze can melt and lose its pretty look.

How to Serve Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with two layers: a light golden beige shortbread base and a bright red jam filling in the center. The jam looks smooth and shiny, sitting in a small circular well in the middle of each cookie. Each cookie is decorated with thin white icing stripes unevenly drizzled across the top. The cookies are placed close together on a white marbled textured surface, filling the frame almost completely. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Jam Thumbprint Cookies, thumbprint cookie recipe, homemade jam cookies, buttery jam cookies, holiday cookie recipes

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple here—sometimes a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of additional powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch without overpowering the jam’s natural brightness. When I’m feeling fancy, a few fresh berries on the side look stunning, especially for a brunch or tea party.

Side Dishes

These jam thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee—perfect for a relaxed afternoon snack. I’ve also served them alongside vanilla ice cream for a simple yet delightful dessert presentation that impresses guests every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I like arranging these cookies on a tiered serving stand or placing them in decorative tins as gifts. Another fun idea is to fill the thumbprints with small dollops of different jam flavors on one tray, so your guests can try a variety—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my jam thumbprint cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container to keep them from getting soggy or crushed. At room temperature, they stay fresh for about 4 days, but if you want to extend their shelf life, keeping them in the fridge for up to 10 days works well without drying them out.

Freezing

When I want to bake ahead, I freeze these cookies by first lining them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they freeze individually and don’t stick together. After an hour or two, I transfer them into airtight containers or freezer bags where they can last up to 3 months. I always allow them to thaw gently in the fridge or at room temperature before serving—this really preserves their texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you like your cookies a little warmed, I pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture and revives the flavors without melting the jam into a sticky mess.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jam for the Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought jams work perfectly fine, especially if they’re not too runny. Thicker jams like seedless raspberry or strawberry preserves tend to hold up better during baking. If you have the time, though, homemade jam adds a lovely fresh taste that elevates the cookies.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?

Chilling the dough twice—both before shaping the cookies and after filling them with jam—helps keep the dough firm so the jam stays put. Also, avoid overfilling the thumbprint indentations. Using thicker jams or preserves reduces leak risk as well.
What if I don’t have almond extract for the glaze?

No worries! You can substitute vanilla extract or even a splash of lemon juice to add flavor to the glaze. The key is to keep the glaze flavorful enough to complement the jam without overpowering the cookie itself.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend or a mix of almond flour and gluten-free flour. Keep an eye on the dough consistency—it might need a bit more chilling or a touch of additional flour for proper handling.

Final Thoughts

For me, this Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe always brings back memories of baking alongside my grandma on chilly afternoons, sharing stories and licking jam off our fingers. These cookies are more than just a treat—they feel like a little burst of joy you can bake and share. I highly recommend you give them a try. You’ll love how effortless it is to whip up a batch and even more how everyone goes crazy for them. Happy baking, friend!