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 wonderfully nostalgic about classic Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe — those buttery little rounds with jewel-like centers of sweet jam just never fail to bring a smile. I find their cheerful bursts of flavor and tender texture make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or an afternoon treat with tea.

A white plate holds a pile of round thumbprint cookies, each with a sugar-coated pale beige dough base. In the center of each cookie is a bright, glossy jam filling, with some cookies showing deep red jam and others a bright orange jam. The texture of the dough looks soft and slightly crumbly with a sugar grain coating. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white cup of espresso with a light brown foam on top and part of another white plate with more cookies slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Thumbprint Cookies with Jam 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 Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

This recipe has a few special qualities that keep me coming back whenever I want a simple, reliable cookie that delights every time. It’s easy enough for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned bakers who adore homemade treats. Plus, those jam centers feel extra festive without a ton of fuss.

Classic Comfort: These cookies capture the perfect balance of buttery shortbread texture and sweet fruit topping, making them timeless.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, so no need for special shopping trips.
Customizable Flavors: Use your favorite jam flavors to personalize the cookies just the way you like them.
Great for Gifting: Their charming look and delightful taste make them a wonderful homemade gift idea.

A close-up view of round thumbprint cookies arranged on a white marbled surface, each cookie having one layer of soft, light beige dough rolled in sugar creating a slightly grainy texture. The center of each cookie is filled with either bright red or golden yellow shiny jam, with the jam sitting nicely in a shallow indentation. Some jam spills slightly over the edge, showing a sticky, glossy texture. The cookies are evenly spaced, showing their round shape and soft texture surrounded by the contrast of the marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a jammy, slightly tart surprise. Here’s a little breakdown so you can shop smart and understand why each one fits so perfectly.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, two softened unsalted butter sticks, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a single whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a small white bowl filled with vibrant mixed berry jam, all arranged symmetrically on a simple clean white ceramic surface, 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: Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cookie dough that’s simple and reliable.
Baking powder: Gives just a touch of lift and softness without making the cookies cakey.
Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of butter and jam.
Unsalted butter: Softened for creaming, it gives the dough richness and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a slight crispness on the cookie surface, especially when rolling the dough balls in sugar.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds a bit of moisture for tender texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making the cookies smell irresistible.
Jam (raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry): The fun, colorful “thumbprint” filling that adds fruity flavor and a splash of color.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe is how easy it is to tailor the flavors to your tastes. Sometimes I swap out the jam for something seasonal or nutty, or add a little twist to the dough to suit dietary needs. Feel free to experiment!

Variation: I once mixed chopped pistachios into the dough and used apricot jam for a nutty, bright combo that was a hit at holiday parties.
Dietary Modification: You can try substituting half the butter with coconut oil for a subtle tropical hint and dairy-free option.
Seasonal Twist: During fall, swapping standard jam for spiced apple butter adds cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon-dusted sugar.

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

Step 1: Prepping Your Dry Mix

I start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt in a medium bowl. It’s a small detail but getting the dry ingredients evenly combined ensures your dough comes together nicely without clumps or uneven rises.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Next, I beat softened butter with sugar using a handheld mixer. This takes about five minutes, and I don’t rush it because that fluffiness locks in air, making the cookies tender yet light. You’ll see it turn pale and silky—that’s your cue to move on.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract just until combined. Then, add the dry ingredients in two additions, mixing gently so everything just comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so I keep an eye out for that sandy dough texture.

Step 4: Shaping & Filling

I use a cookie scoop to portion out 1-inch balls and roll them in sugar for a sparkling finish. Then, I press a thumbprint about half an inch deep into each ball—a little trick to ensure the jam pools perfectly without spilling over. A small spoonful (about ¾ teaspoon) of your chosen jam fills the center beautifully.

Step 5: Baking and Cooling

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for around 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. It’s tempting to open the oven early, but patience pays off here—letting them finish baking ensures that perfect crisp edge with a soft, buttery center. Cool them on the baking sheets before moving; they firm up nicely and won’t break.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've picked up some little tricks that really help when making Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe, especially to avoid common pitfalls and nail a gorgeous finish every time.

Butter Softness Matters: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melting, or your dough won’t cream properly.
Don’t Overfill the Jam: Just a small dollop is enough; too much jam causes the cookies to spill or get soggy around the edges.
Roll in Sugar: This extra step adds a delicate crunch and a bit of sparkle that makes them look professionally finished.
Press Thumbprints Gently: Press about half an inch deep to hold the jam but keep the cookie’s shape intact.

How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I often dust these cookies very lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy look that feels extra special. A tiny crumble of toasted nuts over the jam can add pleasant texture and color contrast if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine with a warm cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit or a light cheese platter, which makes for an elegant little snack spread that’s always a hit with guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging them in a circle on a tiered platter decorated with fresh edible flowers or sprigs of mint. It instantly turns these humble cookies into a centerpiece that guests admire before diving in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week — just make sure they aren’t stacked too tightly so the jam centers don’t smudge.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I usually flash freeze the unbaked dough balls, then transfer them to a bag. When ready, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, I reheat cookies in a low oven around 300°F for a few minutes. This revives the butter flavor and softens the jam slightly, making them taste like they just came from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough together.

What type of jam works best in this recipe?

I recommend fruit jams with a smooth consistency like raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Homemade or store-bought both work well, but make sure the jam isn’t too runny to avoid spreading.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?

Press your thumbprints about half an inch deep and don’t overfill with jam. Also, slightly thick jams or preserves help keep the filling stable while baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it or freeze it for longer storage. Just form the thumbprints and add the jam before baking.

Final Thoughts

Making Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe always feels like a small celebration in my kitchen. They combine simple ingredients with a touch of love and a pop of fruity joy that turns an ordinary day into something a little sweeter. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do — they’re really a treat worth savoring!