Classic Thumbprint Cookies – Buttery, Sweet, and Perfectly Festive

These Classic Thumbprint Cookies are the definition of simple, homemade comfort. Buttery shortbread-style cookies with a soft, tender center and a sweet dollop of jam, each bite melts in your mouth. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are easy to make and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Beautifully filled with your favorite jam or preserves
• Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or gifting
• Simple ingredients, no mixer required
• Bake ahead and freeze easily for busy seasons

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add yolks and vanilla: Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix in dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
6. Make indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a small well in each cookie.
7. Add jam: Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.
8. Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
9. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use different jams for color variety, raspberry, apricot, or blueberry all work well.
• Add a touch of almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft before shaping.
• For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
• Make them extra special by drizzling white chocolate over the tops.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week if you prefer a firmer texture.
• Freeze Dough: Shape dough balls and freeze on a tray, then store in bags for up to 3 months.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely and freeze in layers with parchment between for 2 months.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Add to a holiday cookie platter with sugar cookies and biscotti.
• Package them in a box or tin for homemade gifts.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of jam works best?

Thicker jams or preserves hold their shape better while baking. Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are the most classic options for thumbprint cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Allow it to soften slightly before shaping.

My cookies cracked after baking, what went wrong?

Cracking can happen if the dough is too cold or dry. Make sure it’s soft and pliable before forming balls, and press gently when making indentations.

How do I keep the jam from spreading out?

Use a small amount of jam in each cookie and bake on the middle rack. You can also stir the jam with a teaspoon of cornstarch before filling for extra stability.

Ready to Make It?

These Classic Thumbprint Cookies are everything you love about homemade baking, buttery, nostalgic, and perfectly sweet. They’re a crowd favorite for holidays or a simple afternoon treat.

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• Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Soft and festive with a cocoa touch

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