Fruity Thumbprint Cookies (Printable)

Buttery, tender cookies filled with vibrant fruit preserves—perfect for teatime or as a festive treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large egg yolks
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

07 - 1/2 cup assorted fruit jams or preserves (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
04 - Add the flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
06 - Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
07 - Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
08 - Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of meltingly tender dough and bright fruit filling hits that perfect sweet spot between rich and refreshing
  • These cookies look fancy enough for holiday gift boxes but come together with simple pantry staples
  • The thumbprint technique is endlessly fun, making them perfect to make with little helpers
02 -
  • Press firmly when making the thumbprint indentation because the dough will puff slightly during baking and reduce the depth of your well
  • If your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before rolling into balls
  • Fill the thumbprints just before baking, not ahead of time, or the jam will make the dough soggy
03 -
  • Use a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to make consistent indentations instead of your thumb if you want uniform cookies
  • Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all cookies
  • Add a pinch of lemon zest to the dough when pairing with berry jams for brightness

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