Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless treat that combines buttery, tender cookie dough with a burst of fruity jam right in the center. These delightful little cookies are perfect for teatime, gifting, or whenever you crave a sweet bite with a nostalgic touch. Their simplicity and customizable nature make them a favorite in kitchens everywhere. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch that will disappear in no time.

Reasons to Love Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Jam Thumbprint Cookies are everything you want in a classic cookie and more. Here’s why they stand out:

• Simple yet elegant: A beautiful cookie that looks as good as it tastes.
• Customizable flavors: Fill them with any fruit jam you love – strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even something exotic.
• Perfect texture: Buttery, soft crumb with a slight crisp on the edges, contrasted with a sticky, sweet jam center.
• Kid-friendly and fun: Kids love making the indentations and choosing their favorite jam colors.
• Great for gifting: Packaged in a pretty tin, these cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee: A delightful companion for your afternoon break.

What’s in the Bowl

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these scrumptious Jam Thumbprint Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fruit jam of your choice

Each ingredient plays a key role: the butter provides richness, sugars add sweetness and chew, while the vanilla and almond extracts give a fragrant complexity. The flour, baking powder, and salt balance everything out, creating the perfect cookie base.

Appliances & Accessories

Before you get started, make sure you have these tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer – to cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy and consistency.
• Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Spoon or small cookie scoop – to portion the dough evenly.
• Teaspoon or your finger – to make the thumbprint indentations in the dough balls.
• Cooling rack – to let the cookies cool evenly after baking.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies Made Stepwise

Follow these simple steps to bake your own delicious Jam Thumbprint Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Extracts

Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These add a lovely aroma and depth to your cookies that elevate the simple flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Use your mixer on low speed or a spatula to fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Create the Thumbprint

Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.

Step 8: Fill with Jam

Fill each indentation with about a half teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam. The jam will soften and bubble slightly as the cookies bake, creating a beautiful, glossy center.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should look set but still soft.

Step 10: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For a fun twist on your baking session, you might want to try pairing these with Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies for a double treat.

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

Want to mix things up? Here are some creative ideas to elevate your Jam Thumbprint Cookies:

• Swap almond extract for lemon extract for a bright citrus note.
• Use a mixed berry jam for a tart and sweet combo.
• Try a dollop of Chocolate Almond Toffee Bark crumbs in the center for a crunchy surprise.
• Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pistachios or pecans in the dough for added texture.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm spice touch.
• Use apricot jam topped with a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

Here are some tips and insights from testing these Jam Thumbprint Cookies to ensure your batch turns out perfect every time:

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creams best with the sugars.
• Don’t skip the almond extract; it adds a subtle complexity that complements the jam beautifully.
• Use a gentle hand when pressing the thumbprint—too deep and the jam spreads too thin; too shallow and it may overflow.
• If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Once baked, allow your Jam Thumbprint Cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to set the jam filling properly.

• Storing: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them longer, freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Rewarming: To enjoy them warm, pop a few cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave individually for 10-15 seconds.
• Transporting: When gifting or taking to a party, pack them in a sturdy tin with parchment layers to prevent smushing.

Popular Questions

Can I use different types of jam for these cookies?

Absolutely! Jam Thumbprint Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be filled with any fruit jam you prefer. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even marmalade all work beautifully.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or try lemon extract for a fresh twist. The almond extract adds a unique flavor but is not essential.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help the flavors develop and make shaping easier. Just let the dough come to room temperature a bit before rolling.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Definitely! You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You Might Also Like

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies – For a rich, chocolatey complement.
• Chocolate Almond Toffee Bark – A crunchy, sweet snack to enjoy alongside your cookies.
• Chocolate Covered Cranberry Oat Bars – Another fruity and chocolaty baked good for your collection.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a batch of Jam Thumbprint Cookies that will brighten your day. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver comfort, flavor, and a touch of homemade magic in every bite. Happy baking!

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