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!
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
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!
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.