Pin it
Whenever December rolls around these thumbprint cookies are the first ones I make. Maybe it's the way butter and jam work their magic together or how each cookie holds a tiny jewel of sweetness in its center but they always bring back the coziest memories of holiday baking with my family.
What Makes These Cookies Special
I absolutely love how simple yet beautiful these cookies are. They're the perfect project when my kids want to help in the kitchen those little thumbprints are just made for tiny fingers. Plus you can switch up the fillings to match everyone's favorites which makes them extra fun to bake and share.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Two and a half cups gives us that perfect tender base.
- Salted Butter: A full cup at room temp makes these melt in your mouth.
- White Sugar: One cup for just the right sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Half a teaspoon helps them stay light.
- Egg: One large egg brings everything together.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Two whole teaspoons because I love that flavor.
- Jam: About a cup of whatever kind makes you happiest.
Let's Start Baking
- The foundation:
- Get your butter sugar and baking powder whipped up nice and fluffy it takes a few minutes but it's worth it.
- Add the wet stuff:
- Mix in your egg and vanilla make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl.
- Flour power:
- Gently mix in the flour just until it comes together we want tender cookies.
- Shape time:
- Roll your little balls and make those sweet thumbprints give them some space on the pan.
- Fill them up:
- Add your favorite jam and pop them in the oven watch for those edges to turn golden.
- Patience pays off:
- Let them cool a bit on the pan then move them to a rack to finish cooling.
My Best Cookie Tips
A quick chill in the fridge makes the dough so much easier to work with. Don't make your thumbprints too deep or shallow about half an inch is perfect. And watch that jam filling you want it full but not overflowing those edges should stay golden not burnt.
Keep Them Fresh
These beauties stay perfect for about five days in an airtight container. I like to put parchment between the layers to keep them pretty. They freeze wonderfully too which is perfect for getting ahead during the busy holiday season.
Mix Up the Flavors
While I love classic raspberry jam these cookies are wonderful with all sorts of fillings. Sometimes I'll use lemon curd for a bright twist or chocolate spread for the chocoholics in my life. Making different flavors in one batch lets everyone pick their favorite.
A Holiday Classic
There's something so special about these thumbprint cookies they just feel like Christmas to me. The buttery cookie with that sweet center brings such joy to holiday gatherings. Every time I make them I think about all the happy memories they've helped create over the years.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of jam works best?
- Any smooth jam works well, but raspberry and strawberry are popular choices. The jam should be thick enough not to run during baking.
- → Why do you rotate the baking sheet?
- Rotating the baking sheet halfway through ensures even baking. This helps all cookies brown uniformly and maintain consistent texture.
- → Can I make the indentations deeper?
- Yes, but be careful not to press through to the bottom. The well should be deep enough to hold jam but not so deep it weakens the cookie structure.
- → How should I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Layer with wax paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.