Name: Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened; 2/3 cup sugar plus more for rolling; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam

There’s something truly charming about a cookie that’s buttery, tender, and crowned with a dollop of sweet jam. This Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe is one of those feel-good treats that never fails. I love how the jam adds such a bright pop of flavor and a splash of color, making these cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

A white bowl filled with round cookies dusted with sugar, each cookie has a soft, light tan dough with a center filled with either bright orange or deep red jam. The cookies have a slightly coarse sugar texture on the outer dough and vibrant, glossy jam pools in the middle. In the background, there is a small white cup filled with dark coffee topped with a light layer of froth, both placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve baked lots of cookies over the years, but thumbprint cookies with jam have a special place in my heart. They’re straightforward but feel extra special, perfect for gifting or a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, the jam centers make each bite wonderfully juicy and fresh tasting.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry, which makes it a no-fuss bake.
Customizable Flavor: Swap jams or add a sprinkle of nuts for a cookie that suits your taste perfectly.
Perfect Texture: Buttery cookie bases with that slight, crunchy sugar coating hold the jam beautifully without getting soggy.
Great for Sharing: These cookies always disappear fast and make a charming addition to cookie trays or tea parties.

This image shows a group of round thumbprint cookies on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one thick, light beige layer with a sugar-coated crumbly texture. In the middle of each cookie is a glossy jam filling, either bright red or orange, creating colorful centers that are slightly sunken. Some cookies have a slight jam spill around the edges. The cookies are arranged closely but not touching, filling the whole frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a job that helps these Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe shine. The balance between buttery richness and sweet jam is what makes these cookies utterly irresistible. Let’s break them down so you know why each one’s important.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, a square of soft unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with mixed raspberry and strawberry jam, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, but keeping it light ensures the cookie stays tender.
Baking powder: Just a pinch to give a gentle lift and keep the cookie from being too dense.
Fine salt: Enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness and deepening the buttery notes.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show—softened to cream up nicely with the sugar for a light texture.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and a bit extra for rolling adds a lovely crunchy crust.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with jam.
Jam: Your choice of raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry—this gives the cookies their signature fruity burst.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about keeping this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe flexible — sometimes I swap out the jam depending on the season or what flavors I’m craving. You should definitely make this cookie your own; it’s easy and fun to experiment with!

Jam Variations: I adore using mixed berry jams in summer but during holidays, apricot or cherry jam adds a festive twist that guests ask for every year.
Nutty Twist: Rolling the cookie balls in chopped pecans or almonds gives a lovely texture and a little crunch that’s so satisfying.
Gluten-Free Alternative: I've tried this recipe with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it turned out wonderfully soft without losing any buttery flavor.
Texture Adjustment: Gently baking a bit less keeps the cookies super soft, while a minute or two extra makes them more crisp around the edges.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup. I like to gather and measure all ingredients before I start so nothing is left scrambling midway.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt in a medium bowl. This step might seem small but mixing these dry ingredients well helps make sure your cookies bake evenly and keeps pockets of baking powder from causing odd bumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use a hand-held mixer to whip the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy — about five minutes. This process traps air and creates that tender crumb we all love. Don’t rush it; a good cream makes a big difference.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until just combined. This adds moisture and lifts the flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Slowly beat the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in two additions. Combine just until incorporated—overmixing makes cookies tough, so err on the side of gentle folding here.

Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each ball in sugar for that lovely crackly crust which contrasts with the soft center perfectly.

Step 7: Make the Thumbprints

Place the balls on the parchment-lined sheets about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon) gently into the center of each cookie to form a shallow indentation about ½ inch deep—the “thumbprint”. If the dough gets too soft, chill for few minutes to maintain shape.

Step 8: Fill with Jam and Bake

Fill each indentation with approximately ¾ teaspoon of your favorite jam. Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until edges turn golden and the jam is bubbly. Keep a close eye towards the end so they don’t overbake.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets—they firm up a little as they cool and are easier to transfer to a plate. I find these best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, and they store well for several days.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these are the nuggets that helped me nail this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe every time—even for the very first bake.

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melting—room temperature is perfect for creaming with sugar.
Don’t Overmix: When adding flour, mix only until just combined to keep those cookies tender, not tough.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For even-sized cookies that bake uniformly, I swear by my cookie scoop.
Press Gently for Thumbprints: Avoid pressing too hard or the dough may crack; a soft but defined dent is all you want.

How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust mine lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and a pretty snow-kissed look, especially around the holidays. Sometimes, a thin twist of lemon zest on top of the jam brightens the flavor and adds a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea—Earl Grey or chamomile work beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness. They’re also fantastic with a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe on tiered trays with fresh berries and edible flowers to impress guests. Gift-wise, stacking them in cute boxes with parchment paper ribbons always earns compliments and repeat requests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay delightfully fresh for up to a week, though I admit mine usually disappear before then!

Freezing

Thumbprint cookie dough freezes beautifully. I scoop the dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store them in freezer bags. When I want fresh cookies, I bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the jam slightly and crisps the edges, making them taste freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of jam for Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any jam or preserves you love. Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jams work great. Just choose a jam that’s not overly watery to avoid soggy cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened—not melted—and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help them keep their shape better.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The cookies may be slightly more delicate but just as delicious.

How long do thumbprint cookies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing the dough or baked cookies is a great option.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I bake these Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe, I’m reminded of cozy afternoons and sharing sweet moments with friends and family. They’re such a joyful project to make and a real crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try them, this recipe will become your go-to when you want a cookie that’s simple, elegant, and endlessly tasty.