Jelly Thumbprint Cookies: 12 Easy & Amazing Bites

6 de August de 2025

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Jelly thumbprint cookies have been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember, bringing smiles and sweet nostalgia to every gathering. There’s something magical about the soft, buttery cookie dough cradling a vibrant dollop of fruity jam. I still recall the scent of baking filling my grandma’s kitchen, a warm invitation to a delicious moment. Making these thumbprint cookies with jelly is such a joy, and I’m thrilled to share how you can create these delightful homemade jelly thumbprint cookies that will surely become a favorite in your home too. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Jelly Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

You’re going to adore these cookies for so many reasons!

They boast a wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The sweet and slightly tart thumbprint cookies jam filling is absolutely irresistible.
This is an incredibly easy thumbprint cookies with jelly recipe, perfect for beginners.

With a prep time of just 20 minutes, they’re ideal for busy schedules.
They’re budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
Kids absolutely love helping to make these, from forming the dough to pressing the jam.

They look beautiful on any cookie platter, adding a festive touch.
Enjoying these classic cookies brings a warm sense of comfort and joy.

Ingredients for Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful treats. The quality of your butter really makes a difference, so I always opt for good quality unsalted butter, softened, as it creates the perfect texture for these butter thumbprint cookies jelly delights.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is key for a tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
2/3 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps with the cookies’ structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds that classic, warm flavor that complements the jelly beautifully.

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie dough, giving it substance.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 cup fruit jelly or jam (such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or your favorite) – This is the star! Choose a firm jam that won’t run too much.

1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting) – For a pretty, finished look.

How to Make Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delightful cookies. Learning how to make jelly thumbprint cookies is easier than you think, and the results are so rewarding!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cookie; you want it pale yellow and airy.
Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract. The aroma is already starting to smell amazing!
Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. You’re looking for a dough that just comes together.

Step 5: Portion the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. They will spread slightly.
Step 6: Create an indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the end of a teaspoon. Make sure the indentation is deep enough to hold the jelly but not so deep that it goes through the bottom of the cookie.
Step 7: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen thumbprint cookies with fruit jam. I love using raspberry jam for a pop of color and tartness, but apricot or strawberry works beautifully too!

Step 8: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up slightly before you move them.
Step 10: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive look.

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Pro Tips for the Best Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? These tips will ensure your jelly thumbprint cookies are absolutely perfect every time:

For the best thumbprint cookie recipe, use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother dough.
Don’t overfill the thumbprint indentations; a little jelly goes a long way and prevents overflow.
Chill the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking if you notice the dough is too soft. This helps them hold their shape better.

Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

What’s the secret to perfect thumbprint cookies with jelly?

The real secret to perfect thumbprint cookies with jelly lies in the dough consistency and gentle handling. A slightly chilled dough that’s not overworked prevents spreading, and using a firm jam ensures a beautiful, contained jewel-like center, making them truly classic thumbprint cookies jelly creations. For more baking tips, check out these latest recipes.

Can I make jelly thumbprint cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Form the cookies and make the indentations, but wait to fill them with jelly until just before baking for the freshest results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with jelly thumbprint cookies?

A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which leads to tough cookies. Also, be careful not to make the thumbprint too deep, or the jelly might bake through the bottom. Finally, avoid overfilling the wells to prevent the jam from spilling out during baking. Learning about proper baking techniques can help avoid these issues. You can find more information on baking and ingredient science on reputable food blogs.

Best Ways to Serve Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

These delightful cookies are wonderful on their own, but they truly shine when paired thoughtfully. For a festive touch, especially during the holidays, consider these Christmas thumbprint cookies jelly as part of your cookie platters. They look stunning alongside gingerbread or shortbread. These cookies are also fantastic additions to any of your favorite holiday thumbprint cookie recipes collections. Serve them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a lovely edible gift, beautifully presented in a tin or box. For more holiday baking ideas, explore these holiday cookie recipes.

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Nutrition Facts for Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delightful cookies, perfect for understanding what you’re enjoying:

Calories: 120
Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 14g

Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional content, you can refer to resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

How to Store and Reheat Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Once your beautiful jelly thumbprint cookies have completely cooled, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious. I always let them cool on a wire rack until they are no longer warm to the touch. Then, I carefully place them in an airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll stay wonderfully soft and flavorful in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, these jelly filled thumbprint cookies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for just a few minutes until warmed through – it’s like they’re freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

What is the best type of jelly to use for thumbprint cookies?

The best jelly is one that’s firm and holds its shape, like raspberry or apricot preserves. Avoid very runny jellies, as they can leak out during baking. Using a good quality preserve ensures your thumbprint cookies with preserve look as beautiful as they taste.

Can I use different types of dough for jelly thumbprint cookies?

Absolutely! While this recipe features a classic butter cookie base, you can experiment with variations. For instance, adding a little almond extract to the dough can give it a lovely nutty flavor. The key is ensuring your thumbprint cookie dough jelly is pliable enough to form and indent. You might also enjoy these raspberry swirl shortbread cookies.

How do I prevent the jelly from bubbling over?

To prevent jelly overflow, don’t overfill the indentations. A small teaspoon of jam is usually enough. You can also try chilling the cookies for an extra 10-15 minutes after making the indentations and before adding the jelly. This helps the dough firm up and makes it less likely to spread too much, ensuring your jam stays put.

Are these cookies suitable for a cookie exchange?

Definitely! These jelly thumbprint cookies are a crowd-pleaser and travel well. Their festive appearance makes them a perfect addition to any cookie exchange or holiday bake sale. Just be sure to store them in a sturdy container to prevent crushing. For more ideas on what to bring to a bake sale, check out these Christmas cookie bars.

Variations of Jelly Thumbprint Cookies You Can Try

Beyond the classic, there are so many fun ways to play with these delightful cookies! Exploring different thumbprint cookie variations jelly can lead to exciting new favorites. For a twist on the traditional, try adding a touch of almond extract to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor, reminiscent of some of Grandma’s thumbprint cookies jelly recipes.

Nutty Dough: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract into the dough along with the vanilla for a sophisticated flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.

Coconut Coating: Roll the dough balls in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical twist.
Spiced Jam: Use a spiced jam, like a cranberry-orange or apple cinnamon preserve, for a festive, seasonal flavor perfect for the holidays.