Description
Soft, buttery, and filled with sweet jam, these Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect addition to your baking list. Ideal for holiday platters, quick desserts, or cozy snacks, these cookies come together with simple ingredients and deliver bakery-style results. Whether you’re searching for easy cookie recipes, holiday baking ideas, or a quick dessert to impress, these cookies will hit the sweet spot every time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work best)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add flour and salt. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
4. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Roll each in the extra 1/4 cup sugar.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently press a thumbprint into each ball.
6. Chill the tray of shaped cookies for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
9. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
10. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the shaped dough before baking to prevent spreading.
Use thick jam or simmer it briefly if it’s too runny.
Don’t overbake — cookies should look pale with lightly golden edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy cookie recipe, jam cookies, holiday cookies, thumbprint cookies, butter cookies