Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

This classic cookie is on the top of my baking list every year. It is a buttery cookie that is filled with different types of jam. They can be customized in so many different ways. Our favorite is to use the raspberry jam.

The Raspberry Thumbprint cookie is so tender and has the perfect amount of sweetness. They are perfect for dessert but my favorite is to have it with coffee in the morning. These bite-size cookies really are the perfect cookie. No need for a plate or a fork, you can just get one from the cookie jar and go about your day. Try these other cookie recipes – Coffee Cake Cookies and Red Velvet Cookies.

What are Thumbprint Cookies?

Thumbprint cookies are an easy sugar cookie recipe that is rolled into balls and then rolled into sugar. You can also make a almond shortbread cookie. But I really like the sugar cookie base.

Once you are done rolling the dough into balls, then leave a thumbprint in the cookie before baking. You will then fill the thumbprint with your favorite jam. I usually use the round part of the teaspoon to make the indent in the cookie. It works perfectly.

Why We Love Thumbprint Cookies

We love making these cookies for a cookie exchange. They are a memorable cookie that everyone loves receiving on a holiday cookie platter.

These tiny cookies has so much flavor in every bite that your friends will be surprised how easy they are to make.

These cookies also make a perfect gift. I like to place these in a cute mason jar combined with some tea bags and coffee grounds and your gift is complete. Perfect for neighbors and teachers and great for your budget.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter – Softened at room temperature. Use quality butter
• Vanilla Extract – We recommend using pure vanilla extract
• Seedless Raspberry Jam or Preserves – You can also use Strawberry or Apricot

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations for perfect Thumbprint Cookies

• Change Jam – Raspberry jam is one of my favorites, but I have tried others. We have tried plum, blueberry and strawberry. You can use jam or fruit preserve.
• Change Extract – Try adding some almond extract for a raspberry almond cookie or some lemon zest. Raspberry Lemon cookies are a fun twist to this cookie recipe.
• Cooking Toppings – Instead of rolling the cookie in sugar, you could roll them in some nuts. We have tried pecans and almonds. We love this version on this classic cookie.
• Drizzle Glaze – Occasionally we will add a glaze on top. Lemon or almond glaze would be a nice touch and they would look so pretty with just a simple glaze.

How to Make Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Step 2 – In a large bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a electric hand mixer, at medium speed cream together the butter and sugar. 

Step 3 – Next beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract and salt.  Mix until well combined with the Kitchen Aid stand up mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Step 4 – Then stir in the flour until well combined.  

Step 5 – Scoop out the cookie dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll the dough into balls. Then use your thumb (or the back side of a measuring spoon) to press an indentation into each cookie. Fill with small amount of jam.

• Step 6 – Then bake for 12-14 minutes or until the cookies are set or lightly brown.  
• Step 7 – Let the cookies set on the parchment-lined baking sheet for 5 minutes and then move to a cooling rack to cool completely. 

Expert Tips

• Scoop Cookie Dough – To make the cookie dough balls we recommend using a ice cream scoop to make 1-inch balls. You can also scoop with a spoon. We just like to make sure they are about the same size.
• Baking Sheet – We recommend line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean and to easily remove the cookies from the pan.
• Baking Time – Baking time will vary depending on the size of your cookies. Watch closely so they cookies do not burn.