Cherry Jam Thumbprint Cookies (Shortbread Style)
Soft, buttery shortbread thumbprint cookies filled with tart cherry jam and baked until lightly golden.
Servings: 30
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp 260 g all-purpose flour
- pinch of salt
- 1 8 oz / 225 g jar cherry jam
- Option: use apricot or orange jam instead
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup 120 g confectioners’ sugar
- 1 –2 tbsp cream or milk
Instructions
Beat the butter and sugar:
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar on medium-high for 2 minutes, until creamy. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients:
- Add 2 cups + 2 tbsp flour and a pinch of salt. Mix on low until a soft dough forms. Do not add extra flour. Wrap the dough and chill for 1 hour.
Shape the cookies:
- Let the dough soften for 5–10 minutes at room temperature. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Create the indentation:
- Using your thumb or the back of a ½ tsp measuring spoon, press a shallow well into each dough ball. If the dough sticks, lightly dust your fingers with flour or sugar.
Chill again:
- Chill the shaped cookies for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Add the jam:
- Fill each indentation with ½–1 teaspoon of cherry jam (or apricot/orange jam). Thick jam works best.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 14–15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. If the wells puff up, gently press them back down while the cookies are warm.
Cool:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.
Optional glaze:
- Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp cream or milk. Drizzle over the cookies once fully cool.
Video
Notes
Chill twice for the best shape and least spreading.
European butter is softer — chilling is essential.
Bake with jam inside for the cleanest look and texture.
Any jam works, but tart cherry or apricot stay thick and glossy.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 17mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.4mg
