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Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies bring a touch of joy to any gathering with their buttery dough and sweet berry center. Whenever I want something nostalgic that pleases both kids and adults these cookies never fail.
I fell for this recipe the first time I baked them for my neighbor’s tea party. Now even my picky niece asks for them each visit.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Use real butter for the richest flavor and make sure it is at room temperature for easy creaming
- Powdered sugar: Adds a fine melt-in-your-mouth texture and is perfect for dusting on top
- Pure vanilla extract: Pick a good quality vanilla for that warm aroma and classic taste
- All-purpose flour: Go with unbleached for a sturdy but tender crumb
- Kosher salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and bring out each flavor
- Raspberry preserves: Opt for one with a high fruit content for bright tangy flavor and a smooth yet slightly chunky texture
- Extra powdered sugar: For a beautiful powdered snow look and that subtle sweetness at the finish
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer blend softened butter and powdered sugar thoroughly. Take your time scraping bowl sides so everything is perfectly smooth. This creates the foundation for tender cookies
- Incorporate Vanilla
- Add pure vanilla extract and continue to mix until whipped and fragrant. Vanilla infuses the dough with a bakery-fresh aroma
- Blend in Dry Ingredients
- Pour in flour and salt. Take care here as dough will look a bit crumbly at first but keep mixing. After about a minute the dough becomes cohesive and smooth. Do not overmix
- Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes which makes shaping easier and prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven
- Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out dough with a tablespoon measure and roll each piece into a ball about one inch wide. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet leaving room for spreading
- Create the Thumbprints
- Press a deep indent in the center of each dough ball using a clean thumb or a wine cork. If dough cracks a bit use your fingers to gently pinch them smooth
- Fill With Jam
- Spoon raspberry preserves into each hollow. Fill generously for a bright center but do not overfill to prevent overflowing during baking
- Bake to Perfection
- Move tray to preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until cookie bottoms and edges barely turn golden but centers remain pale
- Cool and Decorate
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack fully. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for the prettiest presentation and an elegant flavor kick
The raspberry preserves always steal the show in these cookies for me. I love the burst of tartness each time I sink my teeth in and it reminds me of baking with my grandma who always used her homemade jam. Watching little hands press the thumbprints is my favorite holiday memory.
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer freshness layer parchment paper between stacks and place in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. These also freeze well just separate layers to avoid sticking and thaw gently at room temp.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping raspberry preserves with apricot strawberry or blackberry for creative variety. If you need a non-dairy version use a quality plant based butter but expect a slight change to the texture. For gluten free try a cup for cup flour blend being mindful the results may be a bit more delicate.
Serving Suggestions
Set these cookies out with tea cocoa or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They work beautifully on mixed holiday platters paired with other bite sized cookies and chocolates. Dress them up with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for a festive touch.
Cultural and Seasonal Twist
Thumbprint cookies are popular in Scandinavia especially Sweden where they go by the name hallongrotta meaning raspberry cave. I like using homemade or farmers market preserves in summer when berries are at their sweetest. In winter try adding a pinch of warming spice like cinnamon for a subtle holiday twist.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use blueberry or apricot jam each spring or summer Test with apple butter or cranberry preserves in fall and winter Add festive colored sprinkles before baking for holiday flair
Success Stories
A friend once made these as wedding favors. They stacked cookies in small clear boxes with ribbon for a sweet homemade touch and guests raved. These are also my go to for last minute gifts since the dough comes together so quickly and everyone loves the jammy center.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bake and cool the cookies completely. Place in single layers in airtight containers or freezer bags separating layers with wax paper. Thaw uncovered at room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to refresh their sparkle before serving.
These thumbprint cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Bake a batch and share the joy with friends and family this season.
FAQs about Recipes
- → How do I get the dough to come together if it looks crumbly?
Continue mixing; the dough will eventually form a ball despite initial crumbliness due to the butter content.
- → Can I use a different jam besides raspberry?
Yes, you can substitute with other fruit preserves like apricot, strawberry, or blueberry based on your preference.
- → How can I prevent the cookies from cracking?
Gently pinch and smooth the edges after making the indentation to help seal any surface cracks before baking.
- → Is chilling the dough necessary?
Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.
- → What's the best way to fill the thumbprints?
Carefully spoon about 1/2–1 teaspoon of jam into each center. Avoid overfilling to prevent overflow during baking.