These jam-filled thumbprints are everything you want in a festive cookie. They're simple, buttery and endlessly adaptable. Use whatever jam you have on hand for a treat that feels perfectly seasonal and nostalgic.
There’s something about shortbread at the holidays that feels like coming home, and these jam thumbprints are no exception. The dough comes together in minutes and is wonderfully forgiving—perfect for last-minute baking sessions or small-batch cravings. Fill them with your favourite jam (or really, whatever is in the fridge or cupboard). Warm, melt-in-your-mouth and dusted with a little icing sugar, they’re just right alongside an afternoon cup of tea.
P.S. Making these with your kiddos? Of course they'll be thrilled to add ingredients and mix, but you'll really knock their socks off if you let them making the thumbprint indents.
Ingredients for Classic Jam Thumbprints
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup jam of your choosing
icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions for Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar for 2-3 min, until mixture is pale and light. Beat in the vanilla.
- Add flour and salt and stir (or beat on low), just until you have a smooth dough. Roll into walnut-sized balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Using your thumb, make an indent in each ball (don't worry if they crack a bit) and fill with about 1/2 tsp jam.
- Bake for 15 min, or until pale golden. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.
