Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft, and filled with sweet fruit preserves. With their tender shortbread-style texture and colorful jam centers, they're a timeless holiday favorite that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Whether you use raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or mixed berry jam, these cookies are always a hit.
The Origins of Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint Cookies are believed to have originated in Sweden, where they are known as Hallongrottor, meaning "raspberry caves."
Over time, similar versions appeared throughout Europe before becoming a staple on American holiday cookie trays.
The distinctive thumbprint indentation filled with fruit preserves gave these cookies their famous name.
Today they're one of the most popular Christmas cookies in the world.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Beautiful jewel-like centers
- Easy to customize with different jams
- Perfect for cookie trays
- Great make-ahead recipe
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup raspberry preserves
- ½ cup strawberry preserves
- ½ cup apricot preserves
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg yolks and vanilla.
Step 3
Gradually mix in flour and salt.
Mix until dough forms.
Step 4
Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
Place on baking sheets.
Step 5
Use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon to create an indentation in each cookie.
Step 6
Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.
Step 7
Bake for 12-14 minutes.
The edges should be lightly golden.
Step 8
Cool completely before serving.
Best Jam Flavors
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Apricot
- Blackberry
- Cherry
- Blueberry
What to Serve With Thumbprint Cookies
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot Chocolate
- Christmas Punch
- Eggnog
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
More Holiday Cookies You'll Love
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Shortbread Cookies
- Snowball Cookies
- Molasses Cookies
- Linzer Cookies
Final Thoughts
These Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, beautiful, and filled with sweet fruit preserves. Their colorful centers make them one of the prettiest cookies you'll ever add to your holiday baking collection.