If you’re looking for a classic cookie with a twist that melts in your mouth and bursts with sweet jammy goodness, you’re going to adore this Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe. I’ve been making these for years, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to treat for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon snack. They’re simple to make, super satisfying, and totally customizable. So, stick around — I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your cookies come out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Buttery & Soft: The cookies come out with a tender crumb, thanks to the right balance of butter and flour.
- Customizable Jam Filling: You can use any jam you love, making this recipe versatile and personal.
- Easy Yet Impressive: These cookies look like you spent hours baking when they’re actually simple to prepare.
- Delicious Almond Glaze: The subtle almond glaze adds an extra dimension without overpowering the jam flavor.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe plays a key role in making the final result taste just right — from the rich, tender dough to the bright jam pockets and that irresistible glaze. I always recommend getting good-quality butter and the freshest jam you can find or make.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture — plus, control the salt you add separately.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that lovely light texture when creamed with butter.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the jam.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors in the butter and jam.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure — be careful to measure properly to keep the dough tender, not dry.
- Jam: The star of the show! Pick your favorite flavor — raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even marmalade.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: For the glaze, it adds sweetness and smooth texture without graininess.
- Almond Extract: A subtle nutty note that complements the jam and the cookie’s buttery base perfectly.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency so it’s thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to set.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the jam flavors depending on the season or occasion, and you absolutely should too! Whether you swap the almond extract for lemon zest in the glaze or try a dollop of homemade marmalade, these tweaks make the Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe your own.
- Jam Variations: I’ve had the best results with raspberry and apricot jams — both have that perfect balance of sweet and tart that cuts through the buttery cookie.
- Dietary Tweaks: If you want gluten-free, try swapping the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. I did this once, and the texture was just as delightful!
- Glaze Alternatives: Sometimes I skip the almond extract and use vanilla or a dash of citrus zest for a different twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer at medium speed. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes until you see a pale, fluffy mixture — it’s a small step but makes a huge difference in the final texture. Don’t rush it; well-creamed butter and sugar means airiness!
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Salt, and Flour Gradually
Next, toss in the vanilla extract and salt, then beat everything together until smooth. Slowly add the all-purpose flour in portions, mixing at low speed just until combined. The dough will be a bit crumbly — that’s normal! Use your hands to gently bring it together into a ball, but avoid overworking it or the cookies might turn tough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This rest period firms up the dough so that it’s easier to shape and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. During one of my first tries, I skipped chilling, and my cookies came out flat – lesson learned!
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into balls about an inch wide. Make a thumbprint indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon. Tip: Keep a little flour on your thumb to avoid sticking. Then, carefully fill each indentation with your chosen jam, but don’t overfill — too much jam can cause the cookies to spill over.
Step 5: Chill Again, Then Bake
Before baking, I like to chill the filled cookies in the fridge for a bit while the oven heats up. This helps keep their shape and prevents spreading. Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes until the edges are just golden — not too much or they’ll dry out. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Whip Up the Almond Glaze and Drizzle
In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gradually add a bit more milk (just a teaspoon at a time) until your glaze is smooth and fluid but still thick enough to coat the cookies nicely. Use a spoon or a piping bag with a fine tip to drizzle the glaze over your cooled cookies, then let them set for 1-2 hours. The glaze adds that extra pop of flavor and a pretty finish!
Pro Tips for Making Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
- Chilling is Key: Always chill your dough twice—once before shaping and once after filling. It keeps your cookies from spreading and preserves that perfect indent.
- Use a Small Spoon for Jam: A teaspoon works great to control how much jam you add, so you don’t get messy overflows while baking.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: That simple almond glaze brings the whole cookie together with just the right touch of sweetness and flair.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Keep an eye near the end of baking—cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly, and that dry crunch isn’t what we want here.
How to Serve Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the garnish simple — just a light drizzle of the almond glaze. Sometimes, when I want to get fancy, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely chopped pistachios or edible petals over the glaze before it sets for a gorgeous pop of color and texture. A little powdered sugar dusting never hurts either!
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, making an easy afternoon indulgence. For holidays, I like to serve them with a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses and fresh fruit—those sweet and savory combos really complement the jammy cookies beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m gifting these, I like to stack them neatly in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper or place them in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbons. For parties, try arranging them on a tiered dessert stand so guests can grab a couple easily. They’re also adorable placed next to mini jars of jam as party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your jam thumbprint cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 4 days, which is usually just enough time to enjoy them all! If you want to keep them longer, storing in the fridge is fine—just bring them back to room temp before serving for best taste.
Freezing
I love making a big batch and freezing extra cookies for busy days. I freeze them uncovered on a parchment-lined sheet for 1-2 hours so they firm up, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They keep beautifully up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy one, just thaw in the fridge or on the counter, and they taste fresh-baked!
Reheating
If you want to refresh frozen or leftover cookies, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives the buttery softness and slightly warms the jam without melting the glaze. It’s my secret to making leftovers taste like they’re freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought jam for this Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought jam works great and keeps things quick and easy. Just pick a jam with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, preferably without chunks if you want a smooth filling. If you have the time, homemade jam adds a special touch, but either way, your cookies will shine.
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What if my dough is too crumbly to roll?
If your dough feels too dry or crumbly, try warming your hands slightly before gently kneading the dough just enough to bring it together. If it’s still challenging, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to help bind it, but add sparingly so you don’t make it sticky.
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How do I prevent the jam from spilling over during baking?
Don’t overfill your thumbprint indentations — a small, shallow well filled just to the top works best. Chilling the dough before and after filling helps keep shape. Also, thinner jams or preserves tend to spread more, so thicker jams are usually a safer bet.
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Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Yes! The glaze is optional, but it adds a lovely almond note and a polished look. If you prefer something simpler, a light dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully.
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How long do jam thumbprint cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 4 days. Refrigerating extends their life up to 10 days, but bring them back to room temp before eating for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it hits the perfect balance of buttery softness and that joyful burst of jam. They’re a treat to make and a delight to share with friends and family. I hope once you give them a try, you’ll agree—they’re not just cookies, they’re little bites of happiness. So go ahead, bake a batch, savor every moment, and maybe stash a few away for yourself. You deserve it!
Print
Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft shortbread cookies topped with your favorite jam and a delicate almond glaze. Perfect for tea time or festive occasions, these cookies combine a tender crumb with a sweet, fruity center and a drizzle of sweet glaze for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup jam
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add flavorings and flour: Beat in vanilla extract and salt until fully combined, then gradually add the all-purpose flour on low speed, mixing just until the dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball using your hands (it will be slightly crumbly), wrap tightly with plastic cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create thumbprints: Press your thumb or back of a small spoon into the center of each dough ball to make a small indentation.
- Fill with jam: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of jam into each indentation carefully, avoiding overfilling.
- Chill before baking: Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator while the oven preheats to keep the dough chilled.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to cooling rack: Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.
- Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add remaining milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze the cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a fine round tip. Allow the glaze to set for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can use any jam you prefer such as raspberry, strawberry, or marmalade. Homemade jam enhances flavor if you have the time.
- Store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- To freeze, freeze uncovered on a parchment-lined tray for 1-2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
