Who can resist the charm of thumbprint cookies with jam? These little treats are a burst of joy, combining the buttery goodness of cookies with the fruity sweetness of jam. Indulge in the irresistible joy of the classic and best thumbprint jam cookies recipe – a timeless treat with a buttery base, fruity fillings, and endless possibilities. Discover the perfect thumbprint cookie recipe for creating these delightful cookies at home.
Jump to:
- Key Characteristics of Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe
- Why you will love Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
- Ingredients required to make Thumbprint Jam Cookies
- How to make jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe with Nuts
- Tips to make the best Eggless Thumbprint Cookies
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently asked questions
- Other recipes you may like
- Recipe Card
Thumbprint cookies are a delightful and versatile type of cookie known for their distinctive indentation created by pressing a thumb or a small utensil into the center of each cookie before baking. The resulting well or “thumbprint” is typically filled with various toppings, with jam being a popular choice.
Thumbprint jam cookies recipe has a fascinating history that takes us back to Sweden. These buttery cookies, known as “Hallonbåtar” or raspberry boats in Swedish, gained popularity in the early 19th century. The story goes that Swedish grandmothers would make these cookies with their grandchildren, allowing the little ones to create the signature thumbprint indentation and fill it with their favourite jam.
The tradition quickly spread beyond Sweden, capturing people’s hearts and taste buds worldwide. Today, thumbprint cookies come in various flavours and fillings, but the classic version with jam remains a timeless favourite.
Key Characteristics of Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe
Buttery Base: Eggless Thumbprint cookies usually have a buttery and crumbly cookie base. The dough may include flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla for flavour.
Thumbprint Indentation: The defining feature of these classic Christmas cookies is the central indentation made by pressing a thumb or a small object into the dough ball before baking. This creates a well that can hold a variety of fillings.
Versatile Fillings: While jam is a classic and popular filling, thumbprint cookies can be filled with a wide range of toppings. Common choices include fruit preserves, jams, chocolate ganache, caramel, or nut butter. The popular choices for making this Christmas thumbprint cookies recipe are raspberry jam or raspberry preserves, strawberry jam, and apricot jam.
Decorative Variations: These easy jam thumbprint cookies can be rolled in nuts, coconut flakes, or powdered sugar before baking, adding flavour and visual appeal.
Why you will love Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Perfect Combination of Flavors: The combination of buttery, crumbly cookie and the fruity burst of jam creates a perfect combination of flavours. The contrast between the sweet, sticky jam and the rich cookie base is irresistible.
Versatility in Every Batch: Thumbprint cookies provide a canvas for various flavours. Experiment with different jams, preserves, or homemade fruit compotes to suit your preferences.
Kid-Friendly Baking: Making thumbprint cookies is often simple and involves a fun step for kids – creating the thumbprint indentation and adding the jam filling. This easy recipe is a great way to involve the little ones in the kitchen during the holiday season and create lasting memories.
Great Option for Gifting: Jam Thumbprints with Nuts make wonderful homemade gifts, especially during Christmas. Package them in decorative boxes or jars, and you will have a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, family, or neighbours.
Quick and Effortless: Thumbprint jam cookie recipes are relatively quick to prepare. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, they’re perfect for impromptu baking sessions or when you crave a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Holiday Baking: Thumbprint cookies with Nuts are often cherished in holiday traditions. Baking these classic thumbprint cookies can evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making them a staple during festive seasons.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Their universal appeal makes thumbprint cookies a crowd-pleaser and often appear in holiday cookie trays. These eggless cookies without nuts are suitable for all ages and are often met with smiles and appreciation.
Ingredients required to make Thumbprint Jam Cookies
How to make jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe with Nuts
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a whisk, hand mixer, or stand mixer.
Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and little salt in a separate bowl.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If it is difficult to combine the dough or if it is not soft enough, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time and try to bring a soft dough together.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough, cover the dough using a cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Create Thumbprint Indentation: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid cracking.
Fill with Jam: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation in the centers of the cookies. Garnish with finely chopped nuts, if desired.
Bake: Bake the jam filled cookies in the oven for 12 minutes or until the edges and bottom are lightly golden brown.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delicious thumbprint cookies with a smile! They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Store the leftover cookies in an
air-tight container.
Tips to make the best Eggless Thumbprint Cookies
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, room temperature butter, flour, and jam. The better the ingredients, the more delectable your cookies will be.
Chill the Dough: Don’t rush the chilling process. For best results, letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour ensures a firmer texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Thumbprint Technique: Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie, creating a well for the jam. Be careful not to press too hard, or the cookies might crack.
Experiment with Jam Fillings: While the classic raspberry jam is a favourite, don’t hesitate to get creative. Apricot, strawberry, mango, nut butter or even chocolate ganache can add exciting twists to your thumbprint cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Tea Time Delight: Pair these tender shortbread cookies with your favourite tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Dessert Platter: Arrange an assortment of thumbprint cookies on a dessert platter for a visually appealing and tasty end to a meal.
Gifts the cookies: Package these classic Christmas cookies in a decorative tin or box for a heartfelt homemade gift during holidays or special occasions.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and freeze. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before creating the thumbprint and adding jam.
These cookies can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies and thaw as needed.
Certainly! The sweet jam center is the highlight of these Classic cookies. The homemade jam adds a personal touch to your thumbprint cookies. Ensure it has a thick consistency. This Jams spread too much during baking.
To prevent the jam from spreading excessively, make sure to use a thick jam or preserve. Additionally, avoid overfilling the thumbprint indentation. About ½ teaspoon of jam per cookie is usually sufficient.
The possibilities are endless while making these classic Christmas cookies! Aside from jam, you can fill thumbprint cookies with chocolate ganache, lemon curd, caramel, Nutella, or even nut butter. Get creative and explore different flavour combinations while making these sweet treats.
If your cookies are overly crumbly, it could be overmixing the dough or not incorporating enough moisture. Ensure you mix the dough until it comes together, and consider adding a tablespoon of milk if the dough seems too dry.
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Recipe Card
Best Eggless Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe With Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened
- ½ cup Caster Sugar
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Jam / Preserve (I used strawberry jam and Mango Peach Preserve)
- ¼ cup Finely Chopped Nuts optional
Instructions
- Powder the granulated sugar and keep it ready.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a whisk, hand mixer, or stand mixer.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- If it is difficult to combine the dough or if it is not soft enough, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time and try to bring a soft dough together.
- Cover the dough using a cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid cracking.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
- Garnish with finely chopped nuts, if desired.
- Bake the jam cookies in the oven for 12 minutes or until the edges and the botton are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, serve these delicious thumbprint cookies . They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Store the leftover cookies in an air-tight container.