Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect little cookie to brighten your day (or someone else’s), these Thumbprint Cookies are it. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread gets a fruity surprise in the center, and it’s all finished off with a sweet dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and just so charming—like a warm hug from grandma, but in cookie form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, Classic, Irresistible: These cookies have that nostalgic homemade taste that never goes out of style.
• Only a Handful of Ingredients: No complicated techniques, just pantry basics doing magical things.
• Customizable Fillings: Raspberry, strawberry, apricot—whatever jam you love, it’ll shine here.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Holiday tray? Afternoon snack? Sweet gift? Yep, they do it all.
• That Buttery Shortbread Texture: Tender, crumbly, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these buttery bites of joy:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temp—this is the base for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough without overpowering the jam.
• Vanilla Extract: A little hint of cozy, warm flavor that brings everything together.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure behind the cookie—keep it simple!
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Fruit Jam or Preserves: Raspberry, strawberry, apricot—go with your favorite or do a mix!
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): A light dusting at the end makes them look extra pretty and adds a sweet finish.

Note: Full ingredients with measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. You want it light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes of mixing will do the trick.

Add the Vanilla

Mix in that splash of vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated. Your dough is already smelling delicious!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture while mixing on low. A soft dough should form—if it feels a bit sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Shape and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them a couple of inches apart on the baking sheet.

Make the Thumbprints

Gently press your thumb—or the back of a teaspoon—into the center of each ball to create a shallow well. Don’t press all the way through; just enough to hold the jam.

Add the Jam

Fill each little well with about ½ teaspoon of jam. Don’t go overboard—just a small spoonful is plenty, or it might bubble over while baking.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Sweet Finish

Once they’re fully cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for that classic bakery-style charm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill if Sticky: If your dough feels too soft to roll, a short chill in the fridge helps a lot.
• Use a Small Spoon for Filling: It makes it easy to control the jam and avoid overflow.
• Mix Up the Jams: Raspberry and apricot are great—but feel free to mix in lemon curd, Nutella, or even caramel!
• Don’t Overbake: The edges should just barely start to turn golden. That’s your cue to pull them out.

How to Serve

These cookies are lovely on their own, but here are a few fun ideas:

• Tea Time Treat: Serve with a cozy mug of earl grey or herbal tea.
• Holiday Cookie Trays: They add color, texture, and that homemade charm.
• Giftable Goodness: Pop a few into a box or tin with ribbon and share with neighbors or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay tender and tasty!

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough balls (before filling) for up to 2 months. Just thaw slightly before making the thumbprint and adding the jam.

Reheating

No reheating needed! But if you like them warm, pop one in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! Just omit the added salt in the dough if you’re using salted butter.

What if I don’t have jam—can I use something else?
Definitely. Lemon curd, Nutella, dulce de leche, or even peanut butter work beautifully.

Why is my dough cracking when I press it?
This can happen if the dough is too cold. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before shaping again.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.