Buttery Jam Thumbprints: The Classic Holiday Cookie Recipe

Buttery jam thumbprints are a classic cookie that bring sweetness and charm to any kitchen.

Soft, crumbly, and perfectly golden, they melt in your mouth with every bite.

The small indentation filled with bright jam makes them as pretty as they are delicious.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels elegant yet approachable.

The tender, shortbread-like texture pairs beautifully with fruity jam for a balanced flavor.

Rich butter and a touch of vanilla add warmth and comfort that make these cookies hard to resist.

Whether enjoyed with afternoon tea or as a late-night treat, jam thumbprints are a timeless recipe worth baking again and again.

Buttery Jam Thumbprints Sweet Touches

• Unbelievably Simple Baking: Craft delightful thumbprint cookies with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all levels. No complicated techniques needed.
• Quick Comfort Treat: Whip up these buttery jam-filled cookies in under an hour, making them ideal for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe allows different jam flavors, transforming these cookies into a customizable dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Elegant Sharing Delight: Beautifully presented cookies work wonderfully for potlucks, afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend dessert moments.

Ingredients in Buttery Jam Thumbprints

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, crumbly cookie texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a light, crisp texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for a delicate, snowy finish on the cooled cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie’s flavor profile.

• Fruit Preserves: Provides a sweet, fruity center that adds moisture and a burst of flavor to the thumbprint cookies.

Steps to Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Pro Tips for Thumbprint Cookie Success

• Start mixing butter and sugar on low speed to prevent splattering and ensure even incorporation.
• Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use the back of a wooden spoon or your thumb to make deep, clean indentations for jam without cracking the dough.
• Select thick, high-quality preserves that won’t run during baking for a beautiful and tasty finish.
• Let cookies cool completely on the baking rack to set the jam and prevent breaking when moving or dusting with powdered sugar.

Jam Thumbprint Cookie Variations

• Gluten-Free Thumbprints: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cookie’s rich, buttery texture.
• Vegan Jam Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based egg substitute like ground flaxseed to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative.
• Nutty Berry Variation: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the dough and use raspberry or strawberry jam for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free fruit preserves to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic cookie shape and taste.

Ways to Serve Jam Thumbprints

• Cozy Afternoon Tea Partner: Serve these delightful thumbprint cookies alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a perfect relaxing moment.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange these jam-filled treats on a beautiful platter with other small cookies and pastries to create an elegant dessert spread that impresses guests.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package these buttery thumbprints in cute mason jars or decorative tins with ribbon, making them a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during festive seasons.
• Brunch Companion: Include these sweet cookies as part of a brunch dessert selection, complementing fruit salads and light breakfast pastries with their delicate jam centers.

How to Store Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate shape.
• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, fresh texture.
• Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for best flavor and texture.
• Choose thick, high-quality preserves that won’t leak during baking and storage. Fruit jams with less moisture work best for maintaining cookie integrity.

FAQs

Buttery Jam Thumbprints Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Buttery Jam Thumbprints deliver sweet comfort with classic cookie charm. Crumbly shortbread bases nestled with fruity preserves promise warmth that draws you into kitchen memories.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients (Flour, Fat, Sweeteners):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened and sliced
• 1/2–1 cup powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt

Filling:

• 1/2 cup fruit preserves

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Instructions

1. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixer until pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes on high speed.
2. Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts with salt, blending smoothly for 10 seconds while scraping down mixer sides.
3. Gradually fold in flour, mixing gently until dough forms a cohesive texture without overmixing.
4. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 45 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
5. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
6. Portion dough into small spheres, approximately 1-inch in diameter, using gentle rolling motions.
7. Create precise indentations in cookie centers using thumb or wooden spoon handle, ensuring uniform depth.
8. Carefully fill each cookie depression with fruit preserves, selecting vibrant jam varieties for visual appeal.
9. Briefly chill prepared cookies for 5 minutes to maintain structural integrity during baking.
10. Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges turn delicately golden and surfaces appear slightly puffy.
11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
12. Once thoroughly cooled, dust cookies with powdered sugar using fine mesh sifter for elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Beat butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, creating a lighter, more tender cookie texture.
• Refrigeration helps prevent spreading and allows flavors to meld, resulting in a more concentrated taste.
• Choose high-quality, thick preserves that won’t run during baking to maintain the thumbprint’s shape and prevent burning.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use alternative sugars for low-glycemic needs.

• Prep Time: 55 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg