Buttery Jam Thumbprints: The Classic Holiday Cookie Recipe

Delicate cookies often spark joy in unexpected moments, and these buttery jam thumbprints recipe bring pure sweetness to your kitchen.

Soft, crumbly, and perfectly golden, these cookies melt in your mouth with each delightful bite.

The gentle indentation filled with vibrant jam creates a stunning visual treat that beckons you closer.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Delicate shortbread-like texture combines with fruity jam for a truly irresistible experience.

Rich butter and a hint of vanilla give these cookies their signature warmth and comfort.

You’ll find these little gems are the perfect companion to afternoon tea or a midnight snack.

Embrace the magic of homemade cookies and let these buttery jam thumbprints become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

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

Step 1: Cream Butter And Sugar

Grab your mixer and whip together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes incredibly light and fluffy.

Beat on low speed initially, then increase to high for 2-3 minutes to achieve a creamy texture.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Incorporate extracts and salt into the creamed mixture.

Mix on medium-low speed for about 10 seconds, making sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Form Cookie Dough

Gently fold flour into the mixture, mixing just until combined.

The goal is to create a smooth dough without overmixing.

Shape the dough into a compact ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Shape Delicate Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform 1-inch balls.

Using your finger or the back of a wooden spoon, create a deep indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Fill With Jammy Goodness

Carefully spoon your favorite fruit preserves into the center of each cookie.

Be careful not to overfill.

Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to help maintain the cookie’s shape.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-23 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful light golden color and the cookies look slightly puffy.

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Final Elegant Touch

Once the cookies have completely cooled, dust them with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for a professional bakery-style finish.

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

• Why chill the dough before shaping cookies?

Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to handle. It allows butter to firm up, ensuring cookies maintain their shape and create a more tender texture.

• Can I use different types of jam?

Absolutely! Any fruit preserve works well. Choose flavors you enjoy like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even marmalade. Just ensure jam is thick enough to hold its shape while baking.

• How do I prevent jam from burning or leaking?

Create a deep, wide well in cookie center using the back of a wooden spoon or your thumb. Don’t overfill – use about 1/2 teaspoon jam. This prevents overflow and ensures even baking.

Buttery Jam Thumbprints Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

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.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

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, Snacks
• 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