Thumbprint Cookies

Need a classic cookie recipe that feels like a small homemade gift? Then you have to try my easy peasy Thumbprint Cookies! These cute little jam-filled cookies are perfect to serve with coffee, tea or a glass of milk. Alternatively, you can fill them with chocolate ganache or lemon curd for a different twist. Instructions for making the perfect soft, buttery dough are given in the recipe below…

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I think I have said before, but I am OBSESSED with simple baking recipes – I find them endlessly rewarding… The first time I made these, pressing my thumb into the dough felt so satisfying, and that warm nutty smell filling the kitchen instantly made the afternoon feel cozy. (I feel I ought to point out that they disappear fast… I’m not saying I ate them all myself – honest!!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thumbprint Cookies bring together texture, flavor, and nostalgia in one easy bake. They feel familiar, yet never boring.

Buttery base: Rich dough that melts in your mouth.

Jam center: Sweet, fruity filling in every bite.

Nutty crunch: Walnuts add texture and warmth.

Simple steps: No fancy tools or complicated timing.

Custom friendly: Switch jams or nuts with ease.

Perfect for sharing: Great for cookie trays and gifting.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1¼ cups all purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, separated

For Rolling and Filling:

• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
• ¼ cup raspberry jam

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep the oven and pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies release easily and bake evenly. Set it aside while you work on the dough.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Mixing them early helps spread the salt evenly through the dough later.

3. Cream butter and sugar

In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step builds the cookie’s soft texture and rich flavor.

4. Add egg yolk and vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Save the egg white in a small bowl since you will use it shortly for coating.

5. Form the dough

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. It should hold together easily without feeling sticky.

6. Shape and coat

Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each. Dip each ball lightly into the egg white, then roll it in the chopped walnuts until coated.

7. Create the thumbprint

Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.

8. Fill with jam

Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into each indentation. Do not overfill since the jam will spread slightly while baking.

9. Bake the cookies

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges look set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Serving Suggestions

Thumbprint Cookies taste great slightly warm, yet they really shine once fully cooled and the jam sets. Serve them with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also work beautifully on dessert tables and cookie trays, adding color and variety.

When I serve these during gatherings, I like mixing different jams so each cookie feels like a surprise. A simple dusting of powdered sugar on the plate can make them look bakery worthy without extra effort.

Tips & Variations

• Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry all work well.
• Pecans or almonds give a different crunch.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
• Skip nuts and roll in sugar instead.
• Dough balls can chill in the fridge before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to toast the walnuts?

Toasting adds deeper flavor, yet you can skip it if short on time.

Why separate the egg?

The yolk enriches the dough, while the white helps the nuts stick.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to a month.

What if the dough cracks?

Gently press the edges back together before filling with jam.

How long do they stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay good for about 4 days.

Final Thoughts

Thumbprint Cookies feel like the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. They balance buttery dough, crunchy nuts, and sweet jam in a way that always feels right. Each cookie looks handmade and tastes like care went into it.