Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam: Sweet Bites of Bliss!

Are you tired of lackluster cookies that leave you wanting more? Those store-bought options that never quite deliver that homemade charm? I’ve been there too. These Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam are the perfect solution buttery shortbread cookies with a sweet strawberry center that create the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite!

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! Growing up, my grandmother would make these thumbprint cookies every holiday season, and the kitchen would fill with the most incredible aroma. I’ve spent years perfecting her recipe, adjusting the butter-to-flour ratio for that melt-in-your-mouth texture while maintaining the cookie’s structure. These sweet little treasures have become my signature contribution to every gathering.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the perfect cookie dough, creating that signature thumbprint, and achieving bakery-worthy results. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these thumbprint cookies with strawberry jam will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why These Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam Work

• Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Requires just 30 minutes of hands-on time for maximum flavor impact
• Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or everyday treats
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with different jam flavors
• Ideal make-ahead dessert that stays fresh for days

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

Best Butter for Thumbprint Cookies

High-quality unsalted butter is crucial for these cookies. Look for European-style butter with higher fat content for richer flavor and better texture. Always use room temperature butter for proper creaming with sugar.

Jam Selection Tips

When selecting strawberry jam for these thumbprint cookies, opt for thick, premium preserves rather than thin jellies. Homemade strawberry jam works beautifully, but a good quality store-bought option with visible fruit pieces will deliver excellent results too.

Flour Considerations

All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for thumbprint cookies with strawberry jam. For a more tender cookie, you can substitute up to 1/4 of the flour with almond flour, which pairs wonderfully with the strawberry flavor.

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

Cookie Dough Essentials

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Components

• 3/4 cup high-quality strawberry jam
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten the jam flavor)

Optional Finishing Touches

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Finely chopped nuts for rolling
• White chocolate for drizzling

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

Pre-Cooking Prep for Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Allow all refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, stir the strawberry jam to loosen it up, adding the lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Making the Thumbprint Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extracts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier handling (if time permits).

Forming and Baking Thumbprint Cookies

1. Roll dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
2. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
3. Use your thumb or the back of a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
4. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam (don’t overfill).
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are just turning golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Finishing Your Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

1. If the indentations have puffed up during baking, gently press them down again while cookies are still warm.
2. Allow cookies to cool completely before adding any optional finishes like powdered sugar dusting or white chocolate drizzle.

Pro Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

Avoiding Common Thumbprint Cookie Mistakes

• Don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too soft this prevents spreading during baking
• Make indentations deep enough but be careful not to press through to the bottom
• If jam is too thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to make it easier to work with
• For perfectly round thumbprints, re-press indentations immediately after baking

Tool Recommendations for Thumbprint Cookies

• Cookie scoop for consistent sizing
• Silicone baking mats for even heat distribution
• Small measuring spoon (1/2 teaspoon) for making uniform indentations
• Piping bag for neat jam application

Storage Tips for Thumbprint Cookies

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers
• Freeze unbaked, shaped cookies (without jam) for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before adding jam and baking

Looking for more delicious cookie recipes? Check out my Pinterest boards for endless baking inspiration that will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Flavor Variations for Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

Alternative Jam Fillings

• Raspberry preserves for a slightly tart alternative
• Apricot jam for a subtle, sweet flavor
• Blackberry preserves for rich, deep berry notes
• Orange marmalade for citrus lovers

Flavor-Infused Cookie Bases

• Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for bright citrus notes
• Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice profile
• Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary for an herbal twist
• Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with ground nuts for added texture

Serving Suggestions for Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

• Pair with afternoon tea or coffee for an elegant treat
• Arrange on a tiered platter with other petite cookies for holiday gatherings
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a simple but sophisticated dessert
• Package in decorative tins or boxes for homemade gifts
• Create a cookie bar with various thumbprint cookies featuring different jam flavors

FAQs About Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam

Can I make thumbprint cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked cookies (without jam) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, add jam, and bake as directed.

Why did my thumbprint cookies spread too much?

This typically happens when the butter is too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Make sure to use room temperature (not melted) butter and chill the dough if it feels soft. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I use homemade strawberry jam for thumbprint cookies?

Absolutely! Homemade jam works wonderfully and often provides better flavor. Just ensure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run out during baking. If your jam is runny, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.

How do I keep the jam from bubbling over during baking?

Don’t overfill the indentations (1/2 teaspoon is usually perfect). You can also freeze the filled cookies for 10 minutes before baking to help prevent the jam from liquifying too quickly in the oven.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the simple pleasure of biting into a perfectly made thumbprint cookie with strawberry jam – that buttery shortbread base giving way to sweet, fruity jam creates a moment of pure bliss. These cookies may seem modest, but they never fail to bring smiles and create memories.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create these delightful treats for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you stick with classic strawberry jam or experiment with different flavors, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Join thousands of home bakers who’ve made these thumbprint cookies their go-to recipe for holidays, special occasions, or just because! Don’t forget to tag @foodydish in your cookie creations – I’d love to see how yours turn out!

Thumbprint Cookies with Strawberry Jam: Sweet Bites of Bliss!

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 29 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, buttery Thumbprint Cookies filled with sweet strawberry jam  these classic treats melt in your mouth and bring a burst of fruity bliss with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup strawberry jam (or any preferred flavor)

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Mix in vanilla extract.

4. Add flour and salt, stirring until dough forms.

5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.

6. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.

7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam.

8. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

9. Cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Try using raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for variety.

Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking for perfectly shaped cookies.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 14 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, strawberry jam cookies, butter cookies, holiday treats