Thumbprint Cookies

If cookies had a talent show, Thumbprint Cookies would win for versatility. These little gems are soft, buttery, and have a sweet jam center that looks like a tiny pool of happiness. Whether you love fruity flavors or a chocolate surprise, this thumbprint cookie recipe is here to make your day better and your kitchen smell amazing.

What Are Thumbprint Cookies

People often ask, what are thumbprint cookies? They are small Homemade Cookies made from buttery dough that you press with your thumb to create a well. That little dent gets filled with jam, chocolate, or even icing. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that fits into all Easy Dessert Recipes categories and goes perfectly with coffee, tea, or milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s one of the easiest Easy Cookie Recipes out there.
• You can switch fillings for any mood, try raspberry thumbprint cookies, chocolate thumbprint cookies, or lemon curd thumbprint cookies.
• Great for parties, holidays, or “I need something sweet right now” moments.
• Freezer-friendly and quick to make.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

Calories: 110
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 12g
Protein: 1g

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup jam or filling of your choice (use raspberry, strawberry, or lemon curd for fun!)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or thumb
• Cooling rack

How To Make Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy.
3. Add vanilla and mix again.
4. Stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to make a small well.
7. Fill each well with jam, chocolate, or icing.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
9. Cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.

Tips

• If dough cracks while pressing, smooth edges with your fingers.
• Don’t overfill the centers or jam may overflow.
• Make two batches. You’ll thank yourself later. 😋

Flavor Variations

• Jam Thumbprint Cookies – Use raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam.
• Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies – Add a drop of almond extract to the dough and fill with raspberry jam.
• Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies – Swap half the butter for peanut butter and fill with chocolate or jelly.
• Jelly Thumbprint Cookies – Use any jelly flavor you like.
• Lemon Thumbprint Cookies – Fill with lemon curd for a tangy kick.
• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – Fill with melted chocolate or Nutella.
• Thumbprint Cookies With Icing – Drizzle icing after baking for extra sweetness.
• Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies – Use gluten-free flour.
• Vegan Thumbprint Cookies – Replace butter with vegan margarine.
• 3 Ingredient Thumbprint Cookies – Mix peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, then add jam. Simple and fast.

Can You Freeze Thumbprint Cookies

Yes! Absolutely. Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

This thumbprint cookie recipe proves that good things come in small, jam-filled packages. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for anyone who loves Homemade Cookies that taste like pure joy. 🤩

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Thumbprint Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

These Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth, with a perfectly gooey jam or chocolate center that tempts you to sneak just one… or three. Each bite combines a delicate crumb with a sweet, sticky surprise, making them impossible to resist.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup jam or filling of your choice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Add vanilla and mix.
4. Stir in flour and salt to form dough.
5. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on sheet.
6. Press thumb in center and fill with jam, chocolate, or icing.
7. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

• Smooth cracks with fingers.
• Fill centers lightly to avoid overflow.
• Bake double batches—you’ll be glad you did. 😉

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 110Total Fat: 6gCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1g