classic thumbprint cookie recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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I’m so excited to share with you my classic thumbprint cookie recipe, a beloved tradition in our household. These cookies are a staple at family gatherings, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your home too. The best part?

They’re incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for them to get involved. We make these cookies for special occasions, like holidays and birthdays, but also for everyday snacking.

The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet jam, and crunchy pecans is a match made in heaven. I’ve been making these cookies for years, and they never fail to impress. Plus, they’re relatively healthy compared to other baked goods – just be sure to use high-quality ingredients and keep an eye on the portion sizes.

My family devours these cookies in no time, and I’m sure yours will too. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can customize the jam or nut choice to suit your tastes. I’ve tried using different types of jam, like apricot or orange marmalade, and even adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture.

The possibilities are endless! As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly these cookies come together – just 30 minutes from start to finish. We often make them as a fun activity on lazy Sundays or after school.

Classic Thumbprint Cookies

4.7 from 1458 votes

Classic thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat featuring a soft, buttery cookie base filled with a fruity jam center. They are perfect for any occasion and easy to make.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling

1/2 cup your favorite jam or preserves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
6The mixture should be smooth and well incorporated.
7In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
9Be careful not to overmix.
10Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11Press a thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
12The indentation should be about 1/2 inch deep.
13Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam or preserves.
14Make sure the jam is evenly distributed and does not overflow.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
16The centers should still be soft, but the cookies should hold their shape.
17Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
18This will help the cookies set and prevent them from breaking.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Oven
Cookie scoop
Teaspoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 50mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun twist, try using different types of jam or preserves as fillings. You can also roll the cookie dough in powdered sugar before baking for an extra sweet touch.

Watch Video Of How Classic Thumbprint Cookies Works

These classic thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack for your family.

They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

When it’s time to serve, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven until warm and fragrant.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thumbprint Cookies

Q1: What type of flour should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using all-purpose flour with a medium protein content (around 10-12%). This will give your cookies a tender crumb and help them hold their shape.

Q2: Can I substitute the butter with another fat?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with another fat like coconut oil or avocado oil. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it’ll still work well.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?

You can store these cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider storing them in the fridge.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. You may need to adjust the ratio of liquid ingredients slightly depending on the specific gluten-free flour you use.

Q5: Why do my cookies spread so much?

This could be due to several reasons – overmixing the dough, using incorrect oven temperature, or not chilling the dough long enough. Try adjusting your technique by chilling the dough longer and using parchment paper on your baking sheet.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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