Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Save RecipeMy thumbprint cookies are buttery, fruity and festive, perfect for gifting no matter what the holiday occasion.
Hi Bold Bakers!
Thumbprint Cookies are one of my favorite Christmas Cookies to bake during the holiday season. Whether I’m baking up treats to give as gifts or just to have at my own family get-together, homemade sweets are a must, and these little cookies are always a big hit!
What are thumbprint cookies?
Thumbprint Cookies are an absolute classic, beloved by all, but not always homemade. These delightful sweet and fruity cookies are way easier to make than they look. These cookies are simply made with a super buttery and rich sugar cookie dough, filled with a touch of fruity jam, in this case raspberry. There really is nothing like the rich and flaky texture of this special cookie, with that soft, fruity, jammy center. You will love to give these cookies as gifts as they really are so impressive. No one will believe you made them at home.
[If you’re looking for a great recipe for jam you have to check out my 3 Microwave Jam Recipes.]
How to make thumbprint cookies
The best part of this Thumbprint Cookie recipe is that it is made from only 5 basic ingredients, butter, flour, sugar, almond extract and raspberry jam. Apart from the jam, all the ingredients are mixed up in one bowl, then formed into little balls. Next you press into them with your thumb, creating that perfect little well, this is where they get their name.
What to fill thumbprint cookies with
To each well, drop in the tiniest bit of raspberry jam, but you can really use any fruit jam your like. After each thumbprint is filled with jam these cookies bake for just 15 minutes. This makes them the perfect holiday cookie, they are minimal effort, maximum impact and of course full of flavor! Give these a try and I guarantee they will become an instant family favorite.
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My thumbprint cookies are buttery, fruity and festive, perfect for gifting no matter what the holiday occasion.
- 1 cup (8oz/240g) butter, room temperature
- ⅔ cup (5oz/150g) sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups (10oz/300g) all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (21/2oz/75g) raspberry jam
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In a large mixing bowl combine the butter, granulated sugar and almond extract.
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Beat at medium speed until evenly combined. Scrape sides of mixing bowl as needed.
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Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a dough is formed. Pull the dough together into a ball, cover with cling wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
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After 1 hour preheat oven to 350oF (180oC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared pan. Make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb (The edges of the dough may crack slightly). Fill each with ¼ teaspoon jam.
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Bake for 15-17 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let the cookies stand 1 minute before removing to a cooling rack.
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Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Meet Gemma
Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, and I’m passionate about sharing my years of experience to show you how to make game-changing baking recipes with over-the-top results! Join more than 1 Million other Bold Bakers in the community for new video recipes every week!
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Hi Gemma,I have made the recipe for the jam thumbs for my tea party,I really recommend the recipe as a pastry chef.THANKS A MILLION
YAY, i’m delighted to hear that! Great job!
I loved and enjoyed baking jam thumbs…though I tweaked by rolling cookies in almond powder …this was fantastic.
Rubie, you are indeed a bold baking genius, now why did I not think of that, such a lovely idea, thank you,
Gemma 🙂
Can I use your Crazy Cookie dough for this and then just add in the thumbprint and raspberry jam?
Yes absolutely you can 🙂
Great idea
Gemma.
Hi Gemma,
I wonder if the dough for this cookie can be made in advance and freeze until ready to bake.
Yes, great idea! Enjoy!
Hi Gemma,
I wonder if I can make the dough in advance and freeze it for baking later.
Eva
Hi Eva,
Cookie dough is really forgiving. I regularly freeze it in logs/sausage shapes, formed with the help of cling wrap, easy to cut into pieces for baking. Go for it, it is easy peasy!
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma
I was wondering can you use any type jam. I make homemade strawberry/cranberry jam also called Christmas jam. Love all your receipes.
Thank you
Yes you can use any jam you like 🙂
Best,
Gemma.
Hi Gemma
I’m really excited to try it. But I just wanna know,the texture crunchy or soft? I’ve tried once with other recipe but my cookies looked too soft. So, how about the temperature?
Hi Marina,
This is a buttery cookie. I think it is impossible for me to describe the texture to you. It will depend on you following the recipe exactly, and baking in the correct temperature.
Try a reduced recipe, a sample if you will, see how that works for you. Experience is the best teacher of all,
Gemma 🙂
I made these for a street stall yesterday. They were very popular. My mother used to make them – instead of using her thumb she used the handle of the wooden spoon to make a deep imprint. I loved your recipe, they were so easy to make and absolutely delicious! I will be making them again and again.
Delighted you like it!!! Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂
Best,
Gemma.
what can you use instead of almond extract? can you use strawberry jam instead??
Hi there,
No, not really, this wil not be the same thing.
You can leave it out, or use vanilla, or swap out some of the flour for almond meal/almond flour. All of these will work well for you,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma
I’m definitely planning to make these. But i have 2 questions. 1: can i use vanilla extract instead of almond extract? 2: Next Friday at school, we’re making something called “secret santa” and I got my classmate, I want to get him beats or earphones with a homemade desert recipe. What would you recommand for me to get to school that I can keep in my backpack without it getting ruined? Love you sooooooooo much and hope you reply soon.
Hi Nichole,
What a lovely idea. Yes, you can use vanilla if you wish, all will be well.
I think any cookie will work well for a boy, they just love to eat! Cookies also hold up really well, and you could make him a giant one! (https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/giant-oreo-cookies/) take a look at this recipe!
Try to use a box to protect it, but if you wrap it with a nice ribbon, in a plastic bag/cellophane bag, it will be delightful!
Have a lovely party, I love secret Santa too, great fun,
Gemma 🙂
Hi! Just wanted to know, how long will these stay fresh once baked? 🙂
Hi Amanda,
this depends on how you store them. They will keep really well for at least a week if stored in an airtight container, protected with grease proof/baking paper. Just like a bough cookie really,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
These look yummy ! can these cookies be stacked when stored or will they stick to each other due to the jam ?
Hi Lety,
They will probably stick, but it depends on the jam, and how deeply they are filled.
Thank you for being with us,
Gemma 🙂
Ooo…GOD… It luks very awesome…. I will try it soon.. Thanku.
Hi there,
Good, these are an easy little cookie, go for it Hepzy,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma
Nice and easy recipe.
Can we use almond essence instead of almond extract?
And if yes, then how much essence should we use?
Hi there,
Sure you can use an essence, just a few drops though, essence is manufactured anf can be very strong,
Gemma 🙂