Description
These Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft, and lightly crisp on the edges with a jammy center that brings a fruity pop in every bite. A holiday favorite or everyday indulgence, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
4. Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to firm it up.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them smooth. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
7. Press a thumbprint or use a rounded spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
8. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Make sure the butter is properly softened for easier creaming and better texture.
Do not skip chilling the dough — it prevents spreading and gives a more uniform shape.
Avoid overfilling the jam; just 1/2 teaspoon is enough to prevent overflow while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thumbprint cookies, butter cookies, jam cookies