Description
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen with these Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies—a delightful combination of buttery shortbread and fruity jam centers. Perfect as a quick dessert, holiday treat, or easy recipe for baking with kids, these cookies deliver the ideal blend of tender crumb and sweet, gooey filling. Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas, healthy snack options (with a touch of indulgence), or easy dinner party desserts, this is one of those timeless food ideas that fits right in.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add the egg yolks, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix until dough forms.
4. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll 1-tablespoon scoops of dough into balls. Optional: roll in sugar.
7. Gently press thumb or teaspoon into center to make an indent.
8. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon jam.
9. Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.
Notes
Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth, fluffy creaming.
Chill the dough for better texture and shape retention.
Don’t overfill the jam—just enough to fill the indentation without overflow.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: classic butter cookies, thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, holiday cookies, easy recipe, cookie ideas, baking with kids