Description
Classic old-fashioned thumbprint cookies made with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough and filled with sweet jam or chocolate. These soft cookies are perfect for Christmas, holidays, or anytime you want a simple yet elegant treat. Easily customizable with raspberry, strawberry jam, chocolate, or candy kisses.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (makes about 24 cookies):
For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling (choose one or mix):
½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Chocolate spread or melted chocolate
Hershey’s Kisses (for thumbprint cookies kisses)
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
Sprinkles for holiday themes
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.
Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam or chocolate. If using chocolate kisses, add them halfway through baking.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soft Thumbprint Cookies: Do not overbake; remove as soon as edges set.
- Holiday Variations: Use red jam for Christmas or chocolate centers for Halloween.
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and reduce flour by ¼ cup.
- Make Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / European-inspired