Perfect Christmas Thumbprint Cookies — Jam-Filled Classic

Thumbprint cookies are jam-filled, buttery, and made for Christmas plates. Easy technique, beautiful results.

The recipe

Ingredients (makes 24)

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup jam (raspberry, apricot, strawberry)

Method

1. Cream butter, sugar until fluffy
2. Beat in yolk and vanilla
3. Mix in flour and salt
4. Roll into 1-inch balls
5. Press thumb into center
6. Fill with jam
7. Bake 350°F for 12-14 minutes

Variations

Jam options

• Raspberry (classic)
• Apricot
• Strawberry
• Lemon curd
• Salted caramel

Coating options

• Rolled in chopped nuts before baking
• Powdered sugar dusted after
• Drizzled white chocolate

Tips

• Don't over-fill — jam bubbles over
• Refill after baking if needed
• Cool completely before storing

Storage

• Airtight 1 week
• Layer with parchment to protect jam

Cross-references

For Shortbread cookies — adjacent.

For Best Christmas cookies — broader.

For Cookie exchange — adjacent.

Perfect thumbprint cookies are buttery, jam-filled, beautiful. Easy technique. Classic Christmas plate addition.