Irresistible Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Sweet memories often start with a classic cherry thumbprint cookie that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Butter-rich dough cradles a bright jewel of fruity goodness in its tender center.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, crumbly interior that melts delicately.

These charming treats connect generations through simple, shared moments of joy.

Baking becomes an intimate conversation between you and cherished ingredients.

Warm kitchen aromas promise delightful satisfaction with every delicate bite.

Make these cookies and watch smiles bloom instantly.

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: Plating Tips

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these charming cookies on a decorative tray with powdered sugar dusting, creating an elegant dessert display perfect for gatherings.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea, allowing the sweet cherry flavor to complement the warm beverage beautifully.
• Gifting Delights: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, making adorable homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday exchanges.
• Ice Cream Topping Trick: Crumble these buttery cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra layer of delicious texture and fruity cherry surprise.

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: Keep ‘Em Fresh

• Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Preserve their fresh taste by removing excess air.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and softness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes. Restore their original crisp texture and slightly melted cherry center with gentle reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different preserves instead of cherry?

Yes, you can substitute cherry preserve with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves for a delightful variation.

• Do I need any special tools to make these cookies?

No, just basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and spoon or thumb for creating the indentation work perfectly.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking to help maintain the cookie’s shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! These thumbprint cookies are beautiful, compact, and look wonderfully homemade, making them an excellent gift for friends and family.

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: Flavor Wins

• Simplify Baking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these cherry thumbprint cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delightful sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults, creating a memorable dessert experience everyone will enjoy and request again.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: Soft, buttery cookies with a burst of fruity cherry preserve offer a quick homemade comfort food that can be prepared in under an hour from start to finish.
• Versatile Occasion Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a delightful homemade gift that brings warmth and joy to any celebration.

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Shopping List

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides the cookies with a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp, golden exterior for the cookies.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their soft and crumbly consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
• Cherry Preserve: A sweet and tangy filling that adds a burst of fruity flavor to the center of each cookie.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Cherry Halves: A decorative and flavorful topping that adds visual appeal and extra fruity taste.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy removal.

Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: The Method

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.

Use an electric mixer for best results, beating until the texture is smooth and airy.

Step 3: Enhance With Vanilla

Add vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix flour and salt into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

The mixture should feel slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into small, uniform balls using your hands.

Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, leaving room for slight spreading during baking.

Step 6: Make Cookie Wells

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie ball.

Press carefully to avoid cracking the dough.

Step 7: Fill With Cherry Goodness

• Cherry preserve
• Fresh cherry halves

Carefully spoon cherry preserve into each cookie well.

Top with a halved cherry for extra visual appeal and burst of fruity flavor.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for edges to turn a light golden brown.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

The cookies will firm up as they cool, creating a delightful texture.

Tips for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

• Choose high-quality cherry preserves with real fruit chunks for a more intense, authentic flavor that elevates the cookie's taste.
• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to help maintain the cookies' structure and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Use the back of a measuring spoon instead of your thumb to create uniform, neat indentations in the cookie dough for a professional-looking result.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal cookie texture – creamy and tender without being greasy.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to keep them fresh and prevent sticking for up to 5 days.

Fresh Cherry Thumbprint Cookie Ideas

• Gluten-Free Cherry Thumbprints: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cookie's rich, buttery texture.
• Nutty Fruit Swap: Substitute cherry preserve with raspberry or apricot jam, adding chopped almonds into the dough for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Vegan Cherry Cookie Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with ground flaxseed, and select plant-based cherry preserve to create a dairy-free, egg-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap traditional sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, using sugar-free fruit spread to reduce overall calorie and sugar content while keeping the classic cookie profile.

Irresistible Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry goodness nestles perfectly in buttery thumbprint cookies, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Rich with homemade raspberry jam and crumbly shortbread texture, these cookies invite you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 maraschino cherries, halved

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a fluffy, pale confection with a light texture.
3. Introduce vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Gradually integrate flour and salt into the butter blend, gently folding until a cohesive, smooth dough emerges.
5. Craft uniform dough spheres, carefully positioning them across the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
6. Delicately create wells in each cookie’s center using your thumb or the curved edge of a measuring spoon.
7. Lovingly fill each indentation with a vibrant dollop of cherry preserve, nestling a halved cherry at the center for visual appeal.
8. Transfer the cookie-laden sheet into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 12-15 minutes until edges acquire a golden, delicate hue.
9. Remove from oven and permit cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
10. Once entirely cooled, the thumbprint cookies are ready to delight and tantalize taste buds with their sweet, buttery charm.

Notes

• Swap part of the flour with almond or coconut flour for a nuttier, gluten-free twist that adds richness and unique flavor.
• Keep butter slightly soft but not melty to ensure perfect cookie consistency and prevent spreading during baking.
• Try different fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry to create exciting flavor variations and colorful presentations.
• Store cookies between parchment layers in an airtight container to maintain their delicate crumbly texture and prevent sticking for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 95 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg