Themes⚙
Butter Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling
Bake buttery thumbprint cookies with jam centers for festive treats; simple dough and your favorite fruit preserves.
Holiday Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Centers are small, buttery shortbread-style confections distinguished by an indentation—made with a thumb or small spoon—that cradles a dollop of fruit preserves. The dough is typically prepared with all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and an aromatic hint of vanilla or almond extract, then rolled into balls and, in some versions, coated with finely chopped nuts or sparkling sugar for added texture. During baking, the jam filling—often raspberry, strawberry, or apricot—sets into a jewel-like center that contrasts pleasantly with the tender, crumbly cookie exterior. Favored for their vibrant appearance and balanced sweetness, these cookies are traditionally baked and shared throughout the winter holiday season, appearing on dessert platters, in gift tins, and at festive gatherings.
Butter Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling
Ready in about half an hour, the dough can be mixed in a single bowl and frozen for up to a month—perfect for last-minute holiday trays. Beyond classic jams, try lemon curd, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or even pepper jelly to give each batch its own personality.
Prep Time
50 minutes
50 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
12 minutes
Total Time
62 minutes
62 minutes
Ingredients
Unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Granulated sugar – ⅔ cup
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling – about 2 tbsp (optional but traditional)
- Large egg yolks – 2
- Pure vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Almond extract – ¼ tsp (optional, adds rich holiday flavor)
- All-purpose flour – 2¼ cups (about 300 g)
- Fine sea salt – ¼ tsp
- Fruit jam or preserves for filling (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.) – roughly ½ cup total
- Finely chopped toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) – ¾ cup, for coating dough balls (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar – 2 tbsp, for a light dusting after baking (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles or coarse sanding sugar – about 2 tbsp, for decorative topping (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C)
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- Whisk the flour and salt together in a small bowl
- Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy
- Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla until fully combined
- Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture just until a soft dough forms
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to firm up
- Scoop out tablespoon-size portions of dough and roll each portion into a smooth ball
- Space the dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets
- Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create a deep well
- Spoon about half a teaspoon of jam into each indentation
- Bake the cookies until the edges are just starting to turn golden, about 12 minutes
- Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely
- Add a small extra dollop of jam to each center if needed before serving
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
4550 kcal Protein
46 g Fat
250 g Carbs
538 g Fiber
17 g Sugar
272 g
4550 kcal Protein
46 g Fat
250 g Carbs
538 g Fiber
17 g Sugar
272 g
Notes
For neat, jam-centered cookies, chill the shaped dough balls for 15 minutes, then bake for 5 minutes and gently press the wells again before spooning in warmed, seedless jam. This two-step imprint keeps the cavities defined and prevents the filling from bleeding over the edges.
why this recipe
These thumbprint cookies with jam centers are the kind of treat that turns a simple baking session into a festive occasion, combining buttery, tender dough with a jewel-like filling that bursts with fruity brightness in every bite. The recipe is approachable enough for novice bakers yet refined enough to impress seasoned pastry lovers, thanks to a perfect balance of crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth interiors. A quick chill in the refrigerator ensures the cookies hold their distinctive shape, while the contrast between the delicate crumb and glossy jam creates an eye-catching, gift-worthy finish without any elaborate decorating. Whether you’re stacking them on a holiday dessert platter or wrapping them as edible gifts, these cookies deliver nostalgic comfort and sophisticated flavor in one irresistibly cheerful package.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later baking?
Yes—shape the dough into balls (with or without the thumbprints) and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding as usual.
How should I store the baked cookies, and how long will they stay fresh?
Once completely cooled, layer the cookies in an airtight container with sheets of parchment or wax paper between tiers to protect the jam centers. Stored at cool room temperature they keep their buttery texture and bright flavor for 4–5 days; for longer storage, freeze them (well-sealed) for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
How can I keep the thumbprint wells from rising and losing their shape while baking?
Chill the shaped dough balls for at least 15 minutes so the butter firms and the sides don’t puff when the heat hits. Then bake for about 5 minutes, remove the tray, quickly repress the centers with a spoon or dowel, and finish baking—the two-step imprint keeps the wells sharply defined and stops them from rising shut.