My grandmother brought me into baking easy thumbprint cookies when she explained her special recipe to me. I stayed at her side in the kitchen as she showed me the process for making these straightforward and delectable cookies. The delicious shortbread taste of butter combines harmoniously with the sweet jam filling for an impeccable flavor experience. The Swedish cookies called “Hallongrotta” brought by my grandmother appeared in the family’s traditions since previous generations. Each year I have prepared this recipe countless times using raspberry jam as well as lemon curd and chocolate filling. Through this article I wish to present this delicious recipe to help you bake fantastic cookies for any holiday that matters to you.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
Why should you try this easy thumbprint cookie recipe? Aside from being absolutely delicious, these cookies come packed with benefits that make them a must-bake treat. Here’s what makes them special:
1. Simple and Beginner-Friendly
This recipe is straightforward and uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Even if you’re new to baking, the clear steps make it easy to follow along, with no complicated techniques required. These cookies are practically foolproof, turning out stunning every time!
2. Customizable to Your Taste
Thumbprint cookies stand out for their flexibility, letting you experiment with different fillings to match your preferences. While raspberry jam is a classic filling, you can get creative with your favorite jams, preserves, or spreads. Think apricot jam, lemon curd, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even creamy peanut butter for a unique twist. You can even mix and match different flavors in the same batch to suit everyone’s preferences.
3. Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you want to add some charm to your cookie tray during the holidays, impress guests at a party, or simply enjoy a snack with your afternoon coffee, thumbprint cookies are ideal for any occasion. These cookies look as good as they taste, making them a hit at everything from bake sales to family gatherings.
4. Quick and Minimal Ingredients
With just 7 or 8 simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of thumbprint cookies in no time. There’s no need to run to the store for specialty items—everything you need is likely already in your pantry. Plus, the dough comes together quickly so you can bake and enjoy them on the same day.
5. Kid-Friendly Activity
Thumbprint cookies are a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. From rolling the dough into balls to pressing the indentations for jam, the process is engaging and interactive. It’s the perfect way to create sweet family memories.
6. Beautiful and Festive
Thumbprint cookies are as visually appealing as they are tasty. Their jam-filled centers and neatly rounded edges make them perfect for holiday tables or gifting. Dust them with powdered sugar for extra flair, and you’ve got yourself a festive, Instagram-worthy dessert.
Ingredients for Easy Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Just a few simple ingredients are needed for these delightful easy thumbprint cookies. If you pantry is stocked, this recipe will be easy as pie whenever you need to satiate your sweet tooth. Below is the list of what you will need.
For the cookies dough
1cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) at room temperature
Gives the cookies their rich buttery taste and soft texture.
2/3 cup granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and provides a light golden finish.
1 large egg yolk
Yolks give richness and aid in tender crumb formation.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (almond extract for variation)
Vanilla is great for traditional thumbprint cookies while almond provides a deeper flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour
Binds dough and provides structure as well as forms the base.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Helps balance out sweetness and enhances the flavor.
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Helps keep cookies tender while preventing excessive spreading.
For The Filling
1/2 cup of jam or preserves
You may use raspberry, apricot, strawberry, lemon curd, or even Nutella. Choose what appeals to you the most!
Extra Garnishes:
Dried sugar can be sprinkled over the cooled cookies.
Crushed Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans can be used to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Why These Ingredients Work Perfectly Together:
Sugar and butter mixed together form soft delectable cookie dough.
The texture of jam and egg yolks along with corn starch combine to create a tender, yet sturdy cookie with soft filling.
The option to use varied types of spreads or jams opens the door for creative cookies suited for any occasion.
How to Make Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Creating easy thumbprint cookies is incredibly straightforward. Achieving soft, buttery cookies with a jam-filled center only requires a few steps. Just follow this guide and achieve perfect results every single time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Make a Cream: The Butter and Sugar – Using a stand mixer and paddle attachment, put butter and sugar in a big bowl and cream them together, beating it until light and fluffy. This makes sure the texture of your dough is tender and melt in your mouth.
Combine the Egg Yolk with Aromatics – Add in the vanilla extract, almond extract (only if you are using), and egg yolk. Again mix thoroughly, but this time ensure the mixture blends without any dry spots.
Blend in the Dry Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine flour and salt and whisk them together, then slowly add the mixture into the wet mixture while kneading and mixing on low speed as you go. If the dough has a crumbly texture to it, knead it gently and with some effort until smooth for the best results.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Put the dough on the Rolling Pin – Use a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough first. For each portion, create a smooth ball and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set the portions about 2 inches apart for proper spacing.
Create the Indentation – Gently press down the thumb or back of a small spoon into the middle of the each dough ball. Crack some parts of the dough might begin to break so be careful. If this occurs, softly mold the edges together.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Turn your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) while preparing your cookies.
Place ½ teaspoon of jam into each cavity of the cookies. Raspberry jam represents a timeless option yet substitute any jam or curd variety according to personal taste from lemon to chocolate.
Place the baking sheet inside the preheated oven where cookies should bake between 10-12 minutes or until the edges faintly brown.
Transfer cookies onto a wire rack using the baking sheet to rest for some time before full completion of cooling process.
The completed easy thumbprint cookies are ready for eating after they have cooled down. Store the cookies in a sealed container to prevent spoilage.
Pro Tips and Variations for Easy Thumbprint Cookies
To make your thumbprint cookies even more delicious and customizable, try these expert tips and variations. With just a few tweaks you can upgrade your cookies and try new flavors.
Pro Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Room Temp Butter – Make sure the butter is at room temp before you start. Softened butter mixes better with the sugar, for a smoother dough and a fluffier texture. Don’t use melted butter, it will affect the dough consistency.
- Chill the Dough – If the dough is too soft to handle or sticking to your hands, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls and indent.
- Make even Indentations – For a perfect shape, press the center of each ball gently but firmly with your thumb. You can also use the back of a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop for precision. Just don’t press all the way through the cookie.
- Don’t Overbake – To keep the cookies soft and tender, don’t overbake. Bake until edges are lightly golden but not brown. Overbaking will result in a dry cookie that loses its melt in your mouth texture.
- Use Good Jam – Since the jam is the star of the thumbprint cookie, use good quality, flavorful jam. Homemade or premium brands are the best. For a smoother texture you can also strain the jam to remove any seeds or pulp before filling the cookies.
Other Ideas for Thumbprint Cookies
While the classic raspberry jam is always a winner, thumbprint cookies are super versatile. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – Use melted chocolate or chocolate ganache instead of jam. You can also add some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top.
- Nutty Thumbprint Cookies – Add some texture to the dough by mixing in chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds. After rolling the dough balls, press them into chopped nuts for a crunchy outside.
- Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies – Use lemon curd instead of jam for a tangy twist. The smooth curd goes perfect with the buttery cookie.
- Almond or Hazelnut Filling – For a richer, nutty flavor, use almond butter or hazelnut spread. These give a decadent, savory touch that goes great with the sweet dough.
- Holiday Spice Thumbprint Cookies – Add cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced version. Top with apple butter or spiced cranberry sauce for a perfect winter treat.
- Caramel Thumbprint Cookies – For a sweeter, indulgent option, use soft caramel or dulce de leche as the filling. The creamy filling goes great with the buttery cookie.
Combine with Other Treats
For an even more fun twist, use your thumbprint cookies as the base for cookie sandwiches. Just spread some frosting, peanut butter or marshmallow fluff between two cookies.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are good for any occasion, from casual to party. They’re buttery and colorful, here’s how to make the most of them:
1. Tea or Coffee time
Serve thumbprint cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re good with black tea and herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint. For coffee lovers they’re good with espresso or light roast coffee.
2. Cookie platters for special occasions
Thumbprint cookies are a great addition to any cookie platter. Whether for holiday parties, baby showers or a cookie exchange their bright jam centers will stand out. Mix them with other cookies like sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies for your guests to choose from.
3. Packaging for gifts
These cookies make great homemade gifts. Package them in tins or gift boxes lined with parchment paper for a sweet and personal present. You can even tie a ribbon around the box for extra flair. Thumbprint cookies with colorful jams are a cheerful addition to any gift.
4. Holiday Dessert Buffets
Add thumbprint cookies to your holiday dessert buffet for a fun touch. They are so bright and sweet perfect for Christmas, Easter or Valentine’s Day. You can match the jam to the theme, like red jam for Christmas or pastel jams for Easter.
5. After Dinner Treats
Serve thumbprint cookies as a dessert after dinner. They are soft and buttery and perfect to wind down the meal. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a treat. You can even drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel on top for extra yum.
6. With a Glass of Milk
Cookies and milk is a classic combo that never goes out of style. Serve thumbprint cookies with a cold glass of cold milk for a comfort classic. For a fun twist try pairing them with almond milk or chocolate milk.
7. Quick Snack
Thumbprint cookies are also a great quick snack throughout the day. Pack them in lunch boxes or snack bags to take on the go. They are small so you can take them anywhere, work break, school snack or afternoon pick me up.
Conclusion for Easy Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Thumbs up cookies are a fun treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With their buttery texture and colorful jam filling they’re perfect for any occasion—afternoon snack, party platter or homemade gift. They’re super versatile, you can use different jams, nuts and even fill with chocolate or caramel.
Follow the easy steps and pro tips and you can bake a batch of these cookies everyone will love. Whether you keep them classic or try new variations, thumbs up cookies will be a go to in your baking arsenal.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven and get baking these easy thumbprint cookies today. Your taste buds and those of your loved ones will thank you!
For an insightful discussion on the classic nature of thumbprint cookies in baking, consider this article from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks at room temperature
- Gives the cookies their rich buttery taste and soft texture.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Sugar sweetens the dough and provides a light golden finish.
- 1 large egg yolk
- Yolks give richness and aid in tender crumb formation.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract almond extract for variation
- Vanilla is great for traditional thumbprint cookies while almond provides a deeper flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Binds dough and provides structure as well as forms the base.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Helps balance out sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Helps keep cookies tender while preventing excessive spreading.
For The Filling
- 1/2 cup of jam or preserves
- You may use raspberry apricot, strawberry, lemon curd, or even Nutella. Choose what appeals to you the most!
Extra Garnishes:
- Dried sugar can be sprinkled over the cooled cookies.
- Crushed Nuts like almonds walnuts, and pecans can be used to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Make a Cream: The Butter and Sugar – Using a stand mixer and paddle attachment, put butter and sugar in a big bowl and cream them together, beating it until light and fluffy. This makes sure the texture of your dough is tender and melt in your mouth.
- Combine the Egg Yolk with Aromatics – Add in the vanilla extract, almond extract (only if you are using), and egg yolk. Again mix thoroughly, but this time ensure the mixture blends without any dry spots.
- Blend in the Dry Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine flour and salt and whisk them together, then slowly add the mixture into the wet mixture while kneading and mixing on low speed as you go. If the dough has a crumbly texture to it, knead it gently and with some effort until smooth for the best results.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Put the dough on the Rolling Pin – Use a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough first. For each portion, create a smooth ball and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set the portions about 2 inches apart for proper spacing.
- Create the Indentation – Gently press down the thumb or back of a small spoon into the middle of the each dough ball. Crack some parts of the dough might begin to break so be careful. If this occurs, softly mold the edges together.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
- Turn your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) while preparing your cookies.
- Place ½ teaspoon of jam into each cavity of the cookies. Raspberry jam represents a timeless option yet substitute any jam or curd variety according to personal taste from lemon to chocolate.
- Place the baking sheet inside the preheated oven where cookies should bake between 10-12 minutes or until the edges faintly brown.
- Transfer cookies onto a wire rack using the baking sheet to rest for some time before full completion of cooling process.
Video
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: ~120 per cookie
FAQs about Easy Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
How to make thumbprints in cookies?
To make thumbprints in cookies, roll your dough into balls and place on a baking sheet. Gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to make an indentation. Don’t press too hard, just enough to make a little indentation. Then you can fill the indentations with your favorite jam or filling.
Should you fill thumbprint cookies before or after baking?
Thumbprint cookies should be filled after baking. Bake the cookies until they are golden and firm. Then once they’re out of the oven and slightly cooled, fill the indented centers with jam or your favorite filling. This prevents the filling from melting or overcooking during baking.
What to use instead of thumb for thumbprint cookies?
If you don’t want to use your thumb, you can use the back of a small spoon, teaspoon or even the end of a wooden spoon to make the indentation. Just be gentle so you don’t crack the dough. You could also use a cookie scoop to make the indentation if you want an alternative.
Are thumbprint cookies hard?
No, thumbprint cookies should not be hard. When baked correctly, they are soft and tender, with a slightly crisp edge. If your thumbprint cookies turn out hard, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to bake them just until the edges are lightly golden to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What is the origin of the thumbprint cookie?
The thumbprint cookie has Scandinavian origins, specifically from Sweden and Denmark. The cookies are known as “hallongrotta” in Sweden, meaning “raspberry cave,” which refers to the jam-filled indentation. They’ve been a popular treat in many cultures, especially during holidays and special occasions.
Why do you use cornstarch in cookies?
Cornstarch is often added to cookie recipes to help create a softer, tender texture. It prevents the cookies from becoming too dense and gives them a delicate crumb. Cornstarch also helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, ensuring they don’t spread too much.
Craving more delightful treats? Discover our Small Batch Sugar Cookies for another easy and tasty recipe!