Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup strawberry jam

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore baking, and these Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies have become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of buttery cookie dough and sweet, tangy strawberry jam creates a delightful treat that always reminds me of childhood. While the recipe is simple, the end result is stunning and perfect for any occasion. I love presenting them at gatherings or enjoying them with a cup of tea. It’s the kind of cookie that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-10T02:10:09.659Z

When I first discovered thumbprint cookies, I was immediately drawn to how versatile they are. I decided to try using strawberry jam, and the results were luscious. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crumbly sweetness and fruity flavor, transporting me to warm summer days. It's a great recipe to flex your creativity too; you can swap the jam flavors for whatever you love!

One tip I've learned is to chill the dough for a bit before baking. This way, the cookies hold their shape beautifully and provide an ideal canvas for the jam. You wouldn't want the jam to overflow, right? It’s these small tweaks that make a world of difference in baking!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Buttery cookies with a delightful strawberry surprise
Easy to make and perfect for sharing
A nostalgic treat that evokes sweet memories

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

In Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The unsalted butter provides richness and helps create a tender crumb. Be sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this promotes better incorporation with sugar, resulting in a light, fluffy dough. The sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their browning during baking — for a subtle crunch at the edges.

All-purpose flour is the backbone of this recipe, contributing to the cookie's structure. When measuring, be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off; this prevents packing, which can lead to dense cookies. The salt is not just for flavor; it enhances the sweetness of the strawberry jam, creating a balanced taste.

Techniques for Perfect Thumbprints

Creating the thumbprint is a crucial step in this recipe. Instead of using your thumb directly, which can lead to sticky dough, consider using a teaspoon or the back of a measuring spoon. This method allows for more control and keeps your hands clean. Aim for an indentation that’s deep enough to hold the jam but not so deep that the cookie falls apart. You want about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep — this will yield a satisfying jam-filled bite without compromising the cookie's integrity.

Chilling the dough is another key technique. By refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes, you not only firm it up for easier handling but also help the flavors develop. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 15 minutes, but the full 30 minutes makes a notable difference in texture and ease of forming.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to help firm it up.

Form the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Make the Thumbprint

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

Fill with Jam

Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into each indentation.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For a flavor twist, try using different types of fruit preserves or jams. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving for a beautiful finish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules. After forming the cookie balls, you can freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored like this for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, just pop them directly from the freezer into the preheated oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

If you're planning to serve these cookies at an event, consider storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you notice any cookies starting to dry out, a slice of bread in the container can help keep them moist.

Variations to Try

While strawberry jam is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors! Raspberry, peach, or even a mixed berry jam can provide a delightful twist. Each jam brings its unique tanginess and sweetness, which can change the character of the cookie entirely. Just be sure to choose jams that aren't too runny to avoid overflowing from the thumbprints.

For a nutty variation, you can stir in a handful of finely chopped nuts to the dough. Almonds or pecans work beautifully, adding both texture and flavor contrast. Additionally, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of the jam before baking can enhance the cookie experience, providing a savory counterpoint to the sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other jams?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any flavor of jam you like, such as raspberry or apricot.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I do if the jam spills over during baking?

To prevent this, make sure to only fill the indentations with a small amount of jam.