I’ve always been a fan of traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations, and thumb print cookies are one of my favorites. These sweet treats originated in Europe, where they were known as ‘thumbprint’ or ‘kugelhopf’ cookies.
The recipe has been adapted and modified over the years, but its core remains the same – a simple shortbread-like dough with a small indentation in the center, perfect for holding a dollop of jam or chocolate. When I make thumb print cookies, I love how the butter and sugar come together to create a crumbly yet tender texture that’s just right for snacking on.
My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them too – they love getting creative with their fillings and making their own unique thumb print cookie designs. Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a quick treat after school, thumb print cookies are always a good idea.
They’re easy to whip up and can be made in advance, making them perfect for busy families like mine.
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
4.9 from 1971 votes
Buttery shortbread cookies with a sweet jam center. These thumbprint cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday baking or any occasion.
1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
👨🍳Directions
1Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
7Do not overmix.
8Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball, creating a well for the jam.
10Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam, being careful not to overfill.
11Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the bottoms are set.
12Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
For best results, use a seedless jam to avoid seeds in the cookies. You can also swap the jam for chocolate ganache or caramel for a different flavor. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Watch Video Of How Classic Thumbprint Cookies Works
I always make sure to store my leftover thumb print cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
When it’s time to serve them again, I like to reheat them gently by microwaving or baking until they’re warm and soft again – perfect for serving with hot chocolate or coffee on chilly mornings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thumbprint Cookies
1. What type of jam or filling should I use in my thumb print cookies?
I like to use a variety of flavors, such as strawberry or raspberry jam, to mix things up. You can also use Nutella or peanut butter for a more decadent treat. Just be sure to choose a filling that complements the flavor of the cookie itself.
2. Can I make thumb print cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these cookies ahead of time – in fact, they freeze beautifully! Simply scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and then transfer the balls to an airtight container or freezer bag once they’re frozen solid. When you’re ready to bake them, just place the desired number of cookies on a baking sheet and follow your usual baking instructions.
3. Why do you recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe?
Using unsalted butter allows us to control the amount of salt that goes into our cookies – plus, it gives them a richer flavor overall. That being said, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can definitely use it instead – just omit any additional salt from the recipe.
4. How do you keep your thumb print cookies fresh for longer?
To keep these cookies fresh for longer, it’s essential to store them properly – in an airtight container at room temperature is best. If you want to keep them fresh for longer than that, consider freezing them as I mentioned earlier.
5. Can I substitute different types of flour in this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is my go-to choice for these cookies, you can experiment with other types of flour if you’d like – such as whole wheat or oat flour – just be aware that the flavor and texture may change slightly.
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