Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Classic buttery cookies with jewel-toned jam centers. Soft, tender, and festive—perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or everyday sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened – The heart of the recipe. Room temperature butter blends smoothly with sugar.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar – Gives the dough sweetness and structure.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed – Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large egg yolks – Adds richness while keeping the cookies tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure. Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup jam filling raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work best – The star of the show. Use smooth jam or preserves.
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars – In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg yolks and vanilla – Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients – In another bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients. Mix until dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the cookies – Roll dough into 1-inch dough balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Make the indentations – Press your thumb (or use the back of a small spoon) into each ball to create a well.
- Fill with jam – Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon jam filling into each indentation.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool & enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Don’t overbake: cookies should be pale with just golden edges. Overbaking = dry and crumbly.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes if sticky before shaping.
- Don’t overfill with jam—bubbling causes overflow.
- Roll dough balls evenly for uniform baking.
- Always use room temperature butter for best results.