Print

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 10 reviews

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a sweet jam-filled center, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. These cookies combine a rich, soft dough with a vibrant fruit jam filling, making them a timeless favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy clean-up and prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together without overworking it.
  3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
  4. Fill the Indentation: Spoon approximately ½ teaspoon of your chosen fruit jam into the indentation of each cookie, ensuring the jam does not overflow the edges.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
  6. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and prevents breaking.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: Once fully cooled, serve your delicious Butter Thumbprint Cookies at your holiday gatherings or as a delightful everyday treat.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
  • Use room temperature butter for proper creaming and texture.
  • Measure ingredients precisely for consistent results.
  • Chill the dough before baking to reduce spreading.
  • Use high-quality butter to enhance flavor.
  • Cookies stay fresh for 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • These cookies can be frozen both before and after baking for up to 3 months.
  • Try different jams or fillings like chocolate ganache, salted caramel, or Nutella for variation.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to make gluten-free versions.
  • Children can help shape and fill cookies but should be supervised near the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter thumbprint cookies, jam-filled cookies, holiday cookies, classic cookie recipe, easy cookies, festive treats