How to Make the Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
American · Easy · 34 min · 24 servings
Thumbprint cookies are a perfectly kid friendly recipe because children literally get to press their thumbs into the dough to make the little wells that hold the colorful jam filling. These buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with bright jam are beautiful, delicious, and endlessly customizable with different jam flavors.
Why this recipe works
This Thumbprint Cookies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 34 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 125 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup strawberry or raspberry jam
- 0.25 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment. Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a smooth soft dough comes together.
Step 2: Roll and Make Thumbprints
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into smooth balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Let kids press their thumb or a rounded teaspoon into the center of each ball to make a deep well.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Fill each thumbprint well with about half a teaspoon of jam using a small spoon. Do not overfill or the jam will bubble over the edges. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring since the jam filling stays very hot right out of the oven. The jam will set as it cools into a beautiful glossy center.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- strawberry or raspberry jam → Nutella or lemon curd for a delicious non-jam variation
- unsalted butter → vegan butter for a completely dairy-free cookie that tastes just as good
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the thumbprint wells with too much jam causing it to boil over and burn onto the pan
- Not making the thumbprint wells deep enough so they fill in and disappear completely during baking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 125 calories, 1g protein, 17g carbs, 6g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →