Dessert

Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

ByClara Bennett December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

Introduction

Jam Thumbprint Cookies are classic buttery treats filled with your favorite fruit jam. These tender cookies are perfect for sharing and bring a delightful burst of sweetness with every bite.

A pile of round thumbprint cookies sits on an ornate white plate with carved edges. Each cookie has one visible layer: a soft, light beige dough with a slight crackled texture, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, surrounding a glossy, bright red jam filling in the center. The cookies are stacked unevenly, showing their soft texture and shiny jam spots clearly. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blue patterned cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup jam (your choice)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat with a handheld or standing mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat for a couple of minutes until fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until well blended.
Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Form it into a disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to three days.
Step 5: Remove the dough from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before shaping.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 3 inches apart on baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper. Use your thumb to gently create an indentation in the center of each ball without cracking the dough. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Step 7: Chill the trays of cookies in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until the cookies are firm.
Step 8: Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies sit for 5 minutes on the trays before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use seedless jam for a smoother filling that holds better during baking.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
If you prefer a firmer cookie, chill the dough overnight before baking.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar again after reheating.

How to Serve

A white decorative plate is filled with round thumbprint cookies dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Each cookie has a slight dome shape and a small colorful jam filling in the center, with colors including deep purple, bright orange, and red. The cookies are soft and pale beige with a slightly cracked texture at the edges. A few cookies are placed near the plate on a wooden surface, surrounded by green pine needles, while a white teapot is softly blurred in the background. The setting feels cozy and natural with a soft focus on the cookies in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam for these cookies?

Yes, you can use any jam or preserve you like. Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and blueberry. Just make sure the jam is thick enough so it doesn’t spread too much during baking.