Save Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful festive treat.
I made these for my holiday cookie swap last year and everyone asked for the recipe. They have just the right balance of crisp edges and soft centers plus the cherry jam keeps them bright and cheerful on the cookie tray.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (130 g)
- Egg yolk: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Almond extract: 1 1/2 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Cherry jam: 1/2 cup (160 g) budget-friendly or homemade
- Water: 1–2 tbsp if jam is very thick
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g) for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolk and extracts:
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Mix in dry ingredients:
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies:
- Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Form thumbprints:
- Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Fill with jam:
- If jam is thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges of the cookies, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save My kids love helping press the thumbprints in each cookie and pick their own favorite jam for the filling. These are now a must at our family gatherings every winter.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling rack.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), egg, milk, tree nuts (almond extract and sliced almonds).
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 105, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 12 g, Protein 1 g.
Save These thumbprint cookies stay fresh for days and look gorgeous packaged as gifts. Enjoy baking and sharing them all season long.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to thicken jam if it's very thick, helping it spread smoothly without spilling in the oven.
- → Can I substitute almond extract?
Yes, vanilla extract works well, or you can omit the extract for a more neutral flavor.
- → What is the best way to shape the thumbprints?
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and press a thumb or teaspoon handle into the center to create a well for the filling.
- → Are sliced almonds necessary?
They add a nice crunch and visual appeal but are optional; omit for a nut-free version.
- → Can other jams be used?
Absolutely, apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jams make delicious alternatives to cherry.