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Homemade Jam Thumbprint Cookies photo

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with a burst of fruity jam—perfect for teatime or gifting!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking Sheet
  • Spoon or small cookie scoop
  • Teaspoon or your finger
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract for aroma and depth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  7. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to press an indentation in the center of each cookie ball, without pressing all the way through.
  8. Fill each indentation with about a half teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden and cookies look set but still soft.
  10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
  • Don’t skip the almond extract; it adds subtle complexity to the flavor.
  • Press thumbprints gently to avoid jam overflow or too thin jam layer.
  • If dough is sticky, chill for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.