The Ultimate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe Collection
Timeless, Versatile, and Absolutely Delicious
Introduction:
Thumbprint cookies are a beloved treat that’s been around for generations, known for their delightful buttery texture and their signature little “thumbprint” filled with sweet jam, chocolate, or other tasty fillings. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon, or a special event, thumbprint cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make, versatile in flavors, and come in many variations — from the classic jam-filled version to decadent chocolate or peanut butter variations. The best part? They’re always a hit and tend to disappear almost as soon as they’re on the plate!
Whether you’re a long-time baker or just getting into the kitchen, thumbprint cookies are an easy yet impressive option that’ll leave everyone asking for the recipe.
History of Thumbprint Cookies:
The origins of thumbprint cookies are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Scandinavia, where the cookies were known as hallon grottor (meaning “raspberry caves”). Some also suggest that they could have Scandinavian or even German roots, where “spritzgebäck” cookies were popular, often made with a similar dough and thumbprint technique. The “thumbprint” aspect of the cookie is both functional (to hold the filling) and charming. Over time, the cookie spread to many countries, becoming a staple on holiday tables, especially around Christmas.
Formation of Thumbprint Cookies:
The dough for thumbprint cookies is quite simple — a buttery, slightly sweet dough that is rolled into small balls, then pressed in the center with a thumb or spoon to create a well that is filled with jam, chocolate, or any other creative filling. This classic shape and technique have remained popular for decades due to their ease of preparation and delightful flavor. Thumbprint cookies can be decorated with sprinkles, drizzled with icing, or dipped in chocolate, which allows bakers to add their own flair.
The Recipes
1. Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Icing
Light, buttery, and beautifully decorated with icing — a classic everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- For the Colored Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 2 to 3 drops gel food coloring
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely before icing.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each bowl and drizzle the icing onto the cookies.
2. Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter paired with raspberry jam — a combination that can’t be beat!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon finely ground sea salt
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Fill each well with a small spoonful of raspberry jam.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool before serving.
3. Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
These tropical-inspired cookies are soft, creamy, and filled with a luscious strawberry jam.
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅓ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange juice, pulp-free
- 1¼ teaspoons almond extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 4½ cups sweetened coconut flakes, divided into 3 cups and 1 ½ cup
- ½ cup seedless strawberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the orange juice, almond extract, and egg yolk, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Place the 3 cups of coconut flakes in a shallow bowl.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the coconut flakes to coat.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently press your thumb into the center of each ball.
- Fill each well with a spoonful of strawberry jam.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let cool before serving.
4. Classic Thumbprint Cookies (Simple and Sweet)
The original version — just simple, buttery cookies filled with your favorite jam.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup jam (your choice of flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create a well.
- Fill each well with a spoonful of your favorite jam (apricot, raspberry, strawberry, etc.).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the jam is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack.
Conclusion:
Thumbprint cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and versatility. Whether you prefer classic jam-filled cookies, rich peanut butter, or tropical coconut flavors, there’s a thumbprint cookie recipe for everyone. The buttery dough is the perfect base for any filling, and the thumbprint shape is both charming and functional, allowing for creative flavor combinations. These cookies are a staple for the holiday season, yet delicious enough to be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, thumbprint cookies will always have a place in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear quickly once served. Get your family and friends together, and let’s bake these timeless treats — because nothing says love quite like homemade cookies!
For the Cookie Lovers:
If you’re looking to get even more creative, try pairing these thumbprint cookies with a warm beverage like coffee, hot cocoa, or tea. The cookies’ delicate sweetness and buttery flavor are the perfect balance to a hot drink, making for an irresistible snack that’s sure to please every cookie lover in your life!