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.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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
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.
Step 4: Add flour
Add sifted flour and salt, mix at the slowest speed just until combined.
Step 5: Mix
Mix the almond flour with 2 tbsp of sugar in a small bowl. Place the egg whites in a separate bowl.
Step 6: Roll the cookie dough
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.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10 min, then take out from the oven. If needed press lightly again to make the deeper indentations.
Step 8: Add jam
Fill each dent with jam, then cook for 8-10 more minutes, until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and serve
Allow to cool before serving.
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
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
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.
Room temperature jam is easier to work with. If you choose to, use refrigerated jam sparingly.
Enjoy these tasty homemade dessert recipes:
- A Cream Cheese Danish with Berries is the perfect morning wake-up call, easily made within 20 minutes!
- This Mandarin Orange Mousse Cake is a delicious Slavic dessert cake we love to enjoy over the holidays!
- Making Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies is a world of fun with kids!
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!
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Equipment
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hand mixer
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bowls
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measuring spoons
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
- ⅔ cup jam, your favorite
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F
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Beat the butter with the sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes.½ cup unsalted butter,, ½ cup sugar
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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
-
Add sifted flour and salt, mix at the slowest speed just until combined.1 cup flour,, ¼ tsp salt
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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,
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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.
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Bake for 10 min, then take out from the oven. If needed press lightly again to make the deeper indentations.
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Fill each dent with jam, then cook for 8-10 more minutes, until golden brown.⅔ cup jam,
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Allow to cool before serving.
