Name: Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened; 2/3 cup sugar plus more for rolling; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam

There's something instantly joyful about the buttery cookie base paired with a dollop of vibrant jam right in the center. This Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe is my go-to for when I want a cozy, nostalgic treat that’s both simple to make and irresistibly tasty.

A white plate holds a pile of round thumbprint cookies, each with a sugar-coated pale beige dough base. In the center of each cookie is a bright, glossy jam filling, with some cookies showing deep red jam and others a bright orange jam. The texture of the dough looks soft and slightly crumbly with a sugar grain coating. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white cup of espresso with a light brown foam on top and part of another white plate with more cookies slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe feels like a warm hug—easy to put together, forgiving for beginners, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a beautiful crowd-pleaser whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings or an afternoon snack.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry, making it super convenient.
Quick Prep and Bake Time: From mixing to oven-ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Delightful Flavor Pairing: The buttery cookie contrasts perfectly with the sweet and tangy jam.
Kid-Friendly and Fun: Pressing the jam into the cookies is always a hit with little helpers in the kitchen.

A close-up view of round thumbprint cookies arranged on a white marbled surface, each cookie having one layer of soft, light beige dough rolled in sugar creating a slightly grainy texture. The center of each cookie is filled with either bright red or golden yellow shiny jam, with the jam sitting nicely in a shallow indentation. Some jam spills slightly over the edge, showing a sticky, glossy texture. The cookies are evenly spaced, showing their round shape and soft texture surrounded by the contrast of the marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What’s great here is the harmony between rich butter, just the right amount of sugar, and the tart fruitiness of the jam. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that classic thumbprint cookie texture and flavor.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, two softened unsalted butter sticks, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a single whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a small white bowl filled with vibrant mixed berry jam, all arranged symmetrically on a simple clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure without being too dense.
Baking powder: Adds just a slight lift so the cookies don’t turn out flat.
Fine salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter: Provides that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; soften it for easy creaming.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light crumb; rolling dough balls in extra sugar adds a lovely sparkle.
Egg: Binds the dough, making it tender but sturdy.
Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm, rounded notes.
Jam (raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry): The star centerpiece for that fruity pop and pretty color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love swapping out flavors of jam depending on the season or mood—sometimes apricot, other times blackberry. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an extra twist!

Jam Variations: I once made these with tangy homemade cherry jam, and the flavor combo was next-level.
Dietary Swaps: Try coconut oil for butter if you're dairy-free, but expect a slightly different texture.
Decorative Coating: Rolling the dough balls in colored sanding sugar adds a festive sparkle for holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent so every cookie rises just right. I always sift to avoid lumps, but you can whisk vigorously if you prefer.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a handheld mixer, I beat the softened butter and sugar for about 5 minutes. This part is key for that tender crumb. You’ll notice the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy—that’s when to stop.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg, Vanilla, and Dry Mix

Next, I add the egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined—don't overbeat here. Then, I slowly add the flour mixture in two parts, folding gently to keep the dough tender but cohesive.

Step 4: Scoop, Roll, and Press

I scoop one-inch balls of dough with a cookie scoop, rolling each in sugar for an extra crunch. Then, I place them on parchment-lined sheets about 2 inches apart and press my thumb into the center of each, creating a nice half-inch indentation.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Filling each thumbprint with about ¾ teaspoon of your favorite jam is the fun part—I try not to overfill to avoid spills. Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) until the edges turn golden, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Cooling them right on the pan helps the bottoms crisp up beautifully.

Top Tip

Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few things that make this Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe foolproof and extra delicious. Don’t skip these tips—you’ll thank me later!

Butter Softness: Make sure your butter isn’t just softened but actually room temperature. Too cold and the dough won’t cream well; too melted and it gets greasy.
Indent Consistency: Use the tip of your thumb or even the back of a small spoon for uniform indents—this helps the jam stay put during baking.
Don’t Overfill Jam: Filling the thumbprint just enough ensures the jam won’t bubble over or burn in the oven.
Chill if Needed: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 15 minutes helps maintain shape better.

How to Serve Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I like a light dusting of powdered sugar over these cookies just before serving—it adds a little festive flair without overpowering the jam's natural zing. Sometimes a tiny fresh berry or mint leaf tucked beside the cookies adds a fresh look at parties.

Side Dishes

These thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For brunch spreads, I serve them alongside fruit salad or yogurt parfaits, where their sweetness complements tangy and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on tiered dessert stands or scatter edible flowers around the platter. Another idea that guests love: pairing different jam flavors on one tray, letting everyone try a variety of fruity bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If the jam softens the cookie base a bit over time, a quick re-crisping in a toaster oven revives that lovely texture.

Freezing

This dough freezes beautifully! I scoop and roll the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, just bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up the cookies after storing, I pop them into a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This warms the jam slightly and crisps up the edges without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of jam for these thumbprint cookies?

Yes! This Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe is very versatile. You can use raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam. Just pick your favorite, or whatever you have on hand.

How do I prevent the jam from spilling over when baking?

To keep the jam in place, don’t overfill the thumbprint indentation. About ¾ teaspoon per cookie works well. Also, pressing a deep enough indentation before filling helps the jam stay contained during baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture and flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and preserves their flavor and texture well.

Final Thoughts

Making these Easy Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Recipe always brings back sweet memories of baking with family and sharing simple moments. They’re the kind of treat that feels just as special on a quiet afternoon as they do at lively gatherings. I can’t recommend them enough—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!