Save Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful, festive treat.
I first made these thumbprint cookies for a holiday cookie swap and they quickly became everyone's favorite treat. The sweet cherry jam with almond is always a hit with my family!
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Ingredients
- Cookies: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/2 tsp almond extract, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt
- Filling: 1/2 cup (160 g) cherry jam (budget-friendly or homemade), 1–2 tbsp water (if jam is very thick)
- Garnish (optional): 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced almonds
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Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts:
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients:
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll dough into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create Wells:
- Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Fill with Jam:
- If jam is thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges of the cookies, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save Baking this recipe together is a holiday tradition in our house. The kids love pressing their tiny thumbs into the dough and adding the cherry jam!
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), egg, milk, tree nuts (almond extract and sliced almonds). Double-check jam and almond extract for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 105, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 12 g, Protein 1 g
Save 
Serve these cherry almond thumbprint cookies with coffee or tea for a cheerful treat. They're wonderful to gift at any celebration!
Kitchen Guide
- → How can I prevent the jam from becoming too thick in the center?
If your jam is very thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen it before filling the thumbprints, ensuring even spreading.
- → Can I substitute almond extract for a nut-free option?
Yes, simply omit almond extract and sliced almonds to make a nut-free version without sacrificing texture.
- → What baking temperature and time are recommended?
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 13-15 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.
- → Are there alternative fillings I can use?
Try apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jam as alternatives to cherry for a varied flavor experience.
- → How do I get a tender and light cookie texture?
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in almond extract and egg yolk before adding flour for a soft dough.
