Description
Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a sweet jam center. These tender cookies are a nostalgic holiday treat that works beautifully any time of year. Customize them with your favorite preserves for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup jam or fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed or with a spatula until the dough forms.
5. Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into smooth balls.
6. Optional: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for extra texture.
7. Place balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
8. Gently press a thumbprint or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball.
9. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Do not overfill.
10. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are just golden.
11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best texture, chill dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
Use seedless jam or thicker preserves to prevent overflow during baking.
You can bake the cookies without jam and add it warm afterward for a glossier finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: thumbprint cookies, butter cookies, jam cookies, holiday cookies