Thumbprint Cookies

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Delicious Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for gift giving, adding to a cookie tray, or packing into school lunches. 

What are thumbprint cookies?

Thumbprint cookies are a delicious buttery cookie that are given a little impression in the center with a thumb. The center is then filled with jam and baked. 

What type of jam do I use to fill the cookies?

You can use any type of jam, jelly or marmalade to fill these cookies. I used raspberry jam, apricot jam, blackberry jam and apple butter.  They all tasted amazing, although the apple butter didn’t spread out like the jam does. 

Do these cookies have nuts?

Yes, I added toasted pecans to these thumbprint cookies. The pecans add extra flavor and texture to the cookies. The nuts are roasted first to bring out the flavor and then finely chopped in a food processor. 

How do you roast pecans?

Place the pecans in a saute pan over medium low heat. Once the pecans become warm they slowly start to brown or roast. This browning brings out an extra level of flavor in the nuts. Once the nuts are lightly browned, remove from heat and allow to cool. Keep a close eye on the nuts. They go from browned to burnt in no time at all.  Use your nose to help determine when they are roasted. If you can smell them, they are done. 

How do you shape the cookies?

I like to use a small scoop to shape the cookies. You could also use a spoon to measure out the dough and then shape the dough into balls by rolling around in your hand. Either way works fine.

How do you form the impression in the cookie?

These are called thumbprint cookies and the best way to form the center of the cookie is with your thumb! However, I actually found my index finger easier to use. You could also use a rounded teaspoon to form a perfectly round impression. Use what works best for you. This is a perfect task for kids to help with. They love getting their fingers in and helping. If the dough is too sticky,  dampen your finger slightly with water and continue pressing. 

How do I store thumbprint cookies?

Once fully cooled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container. Separate each layer with a piece of waxed paper or a piece of parchment paper. The paper will help prevent the cookies from sticking to each other.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes, these cookies can be frozen. Follow the same steps for storing the cookies and then place in a freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, simply remove container from freezer and allow cookies to sit at room temperature until fully thawed. 

How do I make thumbprint cookies?

Combine butter, and sugar together. Mix in vanilla

In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and nutmeg together. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and combine.

Add finely chopped pecans and mix .

Use a small scoop to form balls of dough. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Make a small impression in the center of each cookie and fill with jam. 

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.  Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes and then move to a baking rack to continue cooling. 

Tips for making thumbprint cookies

• Stir jam before using. If the jam is too thick and won’t slide off a spoon, microwave for 15 seconds and stir jam again.
• Place unbaked cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or coated lightly with a nonstick spray.
• Bake in a preheated oven.

Other great cookie recipes

• Kolachy Cookies
• Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
• Toffee Chip Cookies
• Coconut Macaroon 
• Chocolate Crinkles
• Lemon Sugar Cookies

Equipment I used to make these cookies

• Stand Mixer
• Food Processor
• Small Scoop
• Baking Sheet
• Baking Rack

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Check out all my holiday baking recipes.

5 from 5 votes

Print

Thumbprint Cookies

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

35 mins

 

Delicious little cookies filled with your favorite jam.

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cookies, cookies with jam, jam filled cookies, thumbprint cookies

Servings: 48 cookies

Calories: 82.3 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c;ups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup butter at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup jam

Instructions

1. Combine flour, salt and nutmeg together in a bowl. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, add butter and mix until soft and creamy. Add powdered sugar and combine.

3. Stir in vanilla.

4. Stir in flour mixture.

5. Add finely chopped pecans and stir.

6. Use a small scoop to measure out cookie dough and form a ball. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. You can also use a spoon to scoop out approximately 1 Tablespoon of dough and then roll dough in your hands to form a ball.

7. Use your thumb or finger to make a small impression in center of cookie.

8. Fill cookie with 1/2 teaspoon of jam.

9. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

10. Allow baked cookies to cool for 1 minute before removing to a baking rack to continue cooling.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

• I used salted butter in this recipe.
• Stir jam before using. If the jam is too thick and won't slide off a spoon, microwave for 15 seconds and stir jam again.
• Place unbaked cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or coated lightly with a nonstick spray.
• Bake in a preheated oven.

Recipe adapted from Fine Cooking

Nutrition Facts

Thumbprint Cookies

Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)

Calories 82.3 Calories from Fat 48

% Daily Value*

Fat 5.37g8%

Saturated Fat 2.57g16%

Cholesterol 10.17mg3%

Sodium 47.15mg2%

Potassium 16.5mg0%

Carbohydrates 8.22g3%

Fiber 0.34g1%

Sugar 4.27g5%

Protein 0.65g1%

Vitamin A 119.34IU2%

Vitamin C 0.33mg0%

Calcium 3.87mg0%

Iron 0.25mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.