Go Back

Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery, tender shortbread cookies rolled in sparkling sugar and filled with sweet raspberry jam. A festive holiday classic perfect for gifting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.66 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp almond extract optional
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Assembly
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar for rolling
  • 0.5 cup raspberry jam or strawberry/apricot

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream softened butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Mix in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
  4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until dough forms.
  5. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat.
  6. Place balls on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Press a thumb or spoon handle into the center of each to create a well.
  7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Notes

If the dough is cracking too much when indented, roll it in your warm hands a bit longer to soften the butter. Chill dough if it feels too sticky.