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30 Minutes Soft Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Just 30 minutes for these thumbprint cookies with jam! Great for the holidays, school events, parties, or just a sweet treat. They go great for any occasion.

thumbprint-cookies-on-a-towel

Sometimes I write a recipe post way after the food is gone. When I write about a recipe, I just want to stop what I am doing and make that dish again. These thumbprint cookies are one of those recipes!

If I could only grab it from the screen, they are that good. My kids loved them too! Matter of fact, these are so easy to make with kids.

Just 30 Minutes to Make Thumbprint Cookies

In fact, you could even make them in under 30 minutes. I don’t make many cookies, but when I do, it needs to be good.

When it comes to cookies, my kids are my biggest critics. And they are pros. These passed the test from all the kids. Pretty sure you will love them too.

thumbprint-cookies-on-a-baking-tray-with-a-spoonful-of-jam

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies?

These easy jam thumbprint cookies are made with just 8 ingredients, and no chilling required. Just prep and pop them in the oven.

The soft dough for the cookies is made from softened to room temperature unsalted butter. The sugar for sweetness, an egg yolk, salt, and vanilla extract for flavor boost. Finally, add sifted unbleached flour.

I love that I don’t have to throw away the egg whites! They’re an addition of protein, you know. Simply dip the form cookie ball into the egg whites and then toss in sugar + almond flour mixture. This gives the cookies a whole other level and flavor.

Make sure to not over-bake, so the cookies are not too crunchy or dry. Baking for 10 minutes is the perfect stretch of time without the jam and 8-10 more minutes with the jam.

What Kind of Jam Should I Use for Thumbprint Cookies?

For these cookies, you will need to fill in each indentation with jam. I tried them with raspberry jam and strawberry jam, but you can use just about any flavor you like.

Key Ingredients

Thumbprint cookies with jam ingredients vanilla, butter, jam, almond flour, sugar, salt, egg, and flour.

Unsalted butter creates the soft base to this delicious cookie dough.

Sugar sweetens up any recipe and adds structure for these bite sized cookies.

A large egg adds richness and helps for binding before baking.

Unbleached flour creates structure and the right consistency in the dough for this thumbprint cookie recipe.

Salt adds flavor to any recipe you use it in.

Jam fills the wells of these soft cookies once they’re baked. Then, it settles in the thumbprint well. 

For the coating, you’ll need sugar and almond flour. 

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

How to make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Steps 1 & 2: Begin the batter

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Beat the butter with the sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. 

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beat for 2 more minutes. Keep the egg whites for later in a bowl.

Dough for thumprint cookies in a white bowl with an egg yolk.

Step 4: Add flour

Add sifted flour and salt, mix at the slowest speed just until combined.

Dough for thumbprint cookies in a white bowl with a hand mixer.

Step 5: Mix

Mix the almond flour with 2 tbsp of sugar in a small bowl. Place the egg whites in a separate bowl.

Almond flour in one white bowl, egg whites in another white bowl.

Make 11 balls out of the dough. Dip each ball into the egg whites, then into the almond flour. Lay out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a dent in the middle of every cookie with your finger.

Cookie dough with thumbprints in the center on a baking tray.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10 min, then take out from the oven. If needed press lightly again to make the deeper indentations.

A baking tray with baked thumbprint cookies on it.

Step 8: Add jam

Fill each dent with jam, then cook for 8-10 more minutes, until golden brown.

Thumbprint cookies with jam in the center.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Allow to cool before serving.

Fresh baked thumbprint cookies with jam in the center.

Expert Tips

  • Be gentle when coating the dough balls with egg whites and almond flour to avoid flattening them.
  • Pressing a deep indentation in the middle of each cookie before baking creates the perfect well for the jam.
  • Feel free to dust the finished cookies with a touch of powdered sugar before serving. This creates an elegant and inviting presentation to many baked goods recipes!

Recipe FAQs

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

Thumbprint cookies are super soft. Mainly because of the softened butter. When biting into a thumbprint cookie you will feel the soft, chewy texture right away.

Should I refrigerate the jam before filling?

Room temperature jam is easier to work with. If you choose to, use refrigerated jam sparingly.

Stacked thumbprint cookies on parchment paper.

Enjoy these tasty homemade dessert recipes:

More sweet jam recipes

If you tried these Thumbprint Cookies with Jam or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!

A selection of thumbprint cookies in a bowl with a towel.

Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Delicious, sweet and soft thumbprint cookies with jam are perfect for the holidays or any occasion.
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Allergy: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings11 cookies
Calories: 252kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp sugar, (for rolling the cookies)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flour, unbleached and sifted
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup almond flour, or very finely chopped almonds
  • cup jam, your favorite

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F
  • Beat the butter with the sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes. 
    ½ cup unsalted butter,, ½ cup sugar
  • Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beat for 2 more minutes. Keep the egg whites for later in a bowl.
    1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Dough for thumbprint cookies in a white bowl with an egg yolk.
  • Add sifted flour and salt, mix at the slowest speed just until combined.
    1 cup flour,, ¼ tsp salt
    Dough for thumbprint cookies in a white bowl.
  • Mix the almond flour with 2 tbsp of sugar in a small bowl. Place the egg whites in a separate bowl.
    1 large egg, ½ cup almond flour,, 2 Tbsp sugar,
    Almond flour in one white bowl, egg whites in another white bowl.
  • Make 11 balls out of the dough. Dip each ball into the egg whites, then into the almond flour. Lay out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a dent in the middle of every cookie with your finger.
    Cookie dough with thumbprints in the center on a baking tray.
  • Bake for 10 min, then take out from the oven. If needed press lightly again to make the deeper indentations.
    A baking tray with baked thumbprint cookies on it.
  • Fill each dent with jam, then cook for 8-10 more minutes, until golden brown.
    ⅔ cup jam,
    Thumbprint cookies with jam in the center.
  • Allow to cool before serving.
    Fresh baked thumbprint cookies with jam in the center.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
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