Thumbprint Cookies: Classic Buttery Recipe with Jam in 6 Easy Steps
These classic thumbprint cookies feature tender, buttery shortbread bases with sweet jam centers. The simple dough requires just six ingredients, and the signature indentation filled with colorful preserves creates an elegant treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, gift-giving, or afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 36-40 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
Coating & Filling:
- 1 egg white, beaten
- 1½ cups chopped nuts (optional)
- ½ cup jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; line two baking sheets with parchment
- Cream butter and sugar 3-4 minutes until fluffy
- Add egg yolks and extracts; beat until smooth
- Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder; add to butter mixture
- Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls
- Dip in egg white, then roll in nuts if using
- Place on prepared sheets; press thumbprint into centers
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are barely golden
- Re-press indentations immediately after baking
- Fill each with ½-1 teaspoon jam while warm
- Cool 5 minutes on pan, then transfer to racks
Notes
- Room temperature butter is essential for proper texture
- Don’t overbake—cookies should be barely golden at edges
- Re-press indentations after baking if needed
- Add jam while cookies are still warm
- Use jam or preserves, not jelly (too runny)
- Nut coating is optional but adds great texture
- Can use different jams for colorful variety
- Store in airtight container up to 1 week