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Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe

4.6 from 137 reviews

Jam Drops, also known as Thumbprint Cookies, are buttery, tender cookies with a sweet fruity center. These classic cookies feature a soft dough made from butter, sugar, and vanilla, with a small indentation filled with your favorite jam before baking until golden. Perfect for teatime or holidays, they offer a delightful mix of rich, buttery flavor and bright fruitiness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

Filling

  • 1/2 cup (160g) fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
  2. Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  3. Create the thumbprint indentation: Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press into the center of each dough ball to create a small well or indentation for the jam.
  4. Fill with jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation, filling it just enough without overfilling to prevent spilling during baking.
  5. Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft.
  6. Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Jam Drops with tea or as a sweet snack.

Notes

  • You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version, but texture may vary.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help prevent spreading during baking.
  • Feel free to use any favorite jam or preserves to customize the flavor.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, jam drops, jam cookies, thumbprint jam cookies, easy cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies