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The Best Classic Thumbprint Cookies

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Cookies stacked on top of each other with bite eaten on top cookie.

These classic thumbprint cookies have been one of our families favorite cookies whenever the holidays roll around. Finding our old recipe in the recipe box each year brings back fond memories of Christmas in the Ozarks. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with their buttery, tender shortbread and a dollop of raspberry jam in the center, have become a tradition at family gatherings, cookie exchanges, and festive celebrations. Their origins may trace back to Europe, but in Midwestern kitchens, these treats have taken on a life of their own. They are simple to make, yet they deliver a classic charm that fits perfectly with nostalgic baking traditions. Using pantry staples like butter, brown sugar, nuts and jam, they embody a pretty but practical approach to baking.

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Red raspberry thumbprint cookies on a cooling rack with recipe card.

While raspberry jam is the highlight of this recipe, these cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for holiday celebrations. They make a delightful addition to cookie gift boxes or cookie exchanges. You can create a variety of flavors by swapping out the type of jam—peach, blueberry, or blackberry are all excellent choices. For a nutty twist, roll the dough in chopped pecans before baking, or for an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the finished cookies with a little bit of white chocolate. The possibilities are endless, making these classic cookies a holiday favorite for both giving and sharing.

Ingredients for Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

We have updated this recipe and doubled the quantities to yield enough cookies for sharing or filling a generous cookie platter. The ingredients combine to create light, buttery cookies with a perfectly sweet center, ideal for any event.

An image of the ingredients listed in the recipe.

For the Cookie Dough (Double Recipe):

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam or jelly (or flavor of your choice)
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips, melted (optional)
Rolled 1-inch balls of cookie dough on a baking sheet.
Cookie dough balls with thumbprint in center of each one placed on a baking sheet.
Thumbprint cookie dough balls on baking sheet with jam in thumbprint.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Begin by creaming the butter and brown sugar together in a medium bowl using an electric hand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. Sift the salt into the flour, gradually add them into the wet ingredients, stir with a mixing spoon until the soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure the final cookies are soft and tender. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if you wish, to make it easier to handle.

Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon or 1-inch cookie scoop to measure out dough. Form dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet approximately 2-inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Use your thumb or the back of a 1/4 teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball, forming the signature thumbprint.

Fill with Jam: Fill each indentation with 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry jam. Take care not to overfill, as the jam can bubble over during baking. Feel free to experiment with other types of jam, like blueberry or peach, to create variations of this classic cookie.

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a cooling rack for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling the cookies completely on the wire rack allows the jam to set while maintaining their buttery softness.

Why Raspberry Jam Works Best

While any favorite jam can work in a classic thumbprint cookie recipe, raspberry jam holds a special place thanks to its bold, tart flavor that complements the buttery richness of the cookie. The red hue adds a festive touch, especially for Christmas cookies or special occasions. If you prefer not to have seeds in your filling then we suggest using raspberry jelly. Whether served with tea or displayed in a glass cookie jar, the combination of buttery cookies and fruity jam is always a hit. The best part? Raspberry jam is easy to find and offers just the right balance of sweetness and tartness for this dessert.

A stack of 3 Red Raspberry Thumbprint cookies with red coffee mug.

Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

  • Softened Butter Matters: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter won’t mix properly, while melted butter may lead to cookies that spread too much.
  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes will ensure that the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
  • Choose Quality Jam: Opt for high-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor and texture. We used Smucker’s Red Raspberry Preserves. Seedless varieties are ideal for a smoother finish.
  • Use a Flour Mixture: Sift the flour mixture with salt before adding it to the wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.
  • Watch for Golden Brown Edges: Perfectly baked cookies will have slightly golden brown edges, signaling that they’re ready to come out of the oven.

Creative Variations

While classic thumbprint cookies filled with raspberry jam are a timeless choice, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. For a decadent twist, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate. We used Ghirardelli Classic White Chips. You can also use different types of jam, such as apricot, blackberry, or strawberry, to cater to personal preferences. For a holiday-inspired version, add a touch of orange zest to the dough or add 1 tsp of almond extract for one of the teaspoons of vanilla.

Thumbprint cookie on cooling rack with melted white chocolate being drizzled on top.

Serving and Storing Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are as practical as they are delicious. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, making them ideal for make-ahead holiday baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before shaping and filling.

To elevate your cookie platter, pair thumbprint cookies with other festive favorites like our Christmas Crack Candy, along with gingerbread, or chocolate crinkles. A small scoop of raspberry jam in the center of each cookie ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.

Thumbprint cookies placed around a red cup of hot coffee.

The Easiest Way to Impress

Thumbprint cookies embody everything we love about baking: simplicity, elegance, and a touch of creativity. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress. The buttery cookie dough, sweet raspberry jam, and golden brown edges make these cookies irresistible from the first bite.

By following this thumbprint cookie recipe, you’ll create a batch of perfectly soft, flavorful cookies that are sure to be a hit. The next time you’re looking for a treat that combines nostalgia and charm, turn to this recipe—it’s a tradition worth sharing again and again.

A stack of red raspberry thumbprint cookies on a white plate.

The Best Classic Thumbprint Cookies

The buttery cookie dough, sweet raspberry jam, and golden brown edges make these cookies irresistible from the first bite. Thumbprint cookies embody everything we love about baking: simplicity, elegance, and a touch of creativity.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36 Cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam or jelly of your choice
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips, melted (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare the Dough: Cream softened butter and brown sugar in a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes until chilled.
  • Shape the Cookies: Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the ungreased baking sheet. Press a thumb or the back of a 1/4 teaspoon into each ball to create an indentation.
  • Fill and Bake: Add a 1/4 teaspoon of jam to each indentation. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
  • Cool: Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with drizzled white chocolate if desired.

Notes

  • Jam Choices: While red raspberry preserves are featured in this recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite jam flavors, like blueberry, peach, or apricot. Seedless jams work best for a smooth finish.
  • Chilling the Dough: Chilling is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Don’t skip this step!
  • Nuts: Adding chopped nuts to the dough or rolling the cookie dough balls in nuts before baking adds a delightful crunch. Pecans and walnuts are great options.
  • Drizzle Ideas: For an special touch, drizzle the finished cookies with melted white chocolate or milk chocolate after they’ve cooled.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for later use.
Keyword cookies, dessert, holiday dessert, jam, sweet treat, thumbprint cookies

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