Buttery Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bliss

Baking soft strawberry jam thumbprint cookies always brings a smile to my face.

Sweet memories flood back from childhood kitchen adventures.

Grandma’s classic recipe inspired this delightful treat that combines buttery shortbread with vibrant fruit preserves.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crisp cookie edges and luscious jam centers.

Delicate and elegant, these cookies make perfect gifts or afternoon snack companions.

Crumbling gently with every nibble, they’re simple enough for novice bakers yet impressive for seasoned pros.

You’ll want to clear your schedule and start mixing these irresistible morsels right away.

Reasons to Love Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Create Delightful Family Treats: These thumbprint cookies bring everyone together with their sweet, homemade charm and simple preparation that kids and adults can enjoy making side by side.
• Boost Healthy Baking: Using whole wheat and almond flour provides a nutritious twist to traditional cookies, adding wholesome ingredients without sacrificing delicious flavor.
• Master Quick Dessert Skills: This recipe offers an easy introduction to cookie baking, perfect for beginners wanting to develop basic pastry-making techniques with minimal kitchen equipment.
• Personalize Sweet Moments: The flexible jam center allows creative variations, letting bakers swap strawberry for raspberry, apricot, or any favorite fruit spread to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Whole Wheat Flour: A hearty flour that adds nutty flavor and extra nutrition to the cookies.
• Almond Flour: Provides a rich, slightly sweet taste and helps create a tender cookie texture.

• Egg: Helps bind the cookie dough and creates a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the cookies with a smooth, creamy texture.
• Honey, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that add depth and sweetness to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the strawberry jam.

• Strawberry Jam: A sweet and fruity filling that adds a burst of flavor to the center of each cookie.

How to Bake Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour
• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended dry mixture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter with honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract.

Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy foundation for the cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg to Mixture

Crack an egg into the butter mixture and mix completely until the egg is fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft, pliable dough forms.

The dough should hold together without being too sticky or too dry.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough.

Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls. Place these cookie balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Create Jam Wells

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a gentle indentation into the center of each cookie ball. Make sure the wells are deep enough to hold the jam but not so deep that they cause the cookie to break.

Step 8: Fill with Strawberry Jam

Carefully spoon strawberry jam into the center of each cookie indentation. Use just enough jam to fill the well without overflowing.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a light golden brown.

This indicates the cookies are perfectly baked.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, the strawberry jam thumbprint cookies are ready to enjoy!

Smart Tips for Jam Thumbprint Cookie Baking

• Select high-quality, homemade or artisan strawberry jam for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
• Wet your thumb slightly before making cookie wells to prevent sticking and achieve smooth, even centers.
• Add jam carefully to avoid overflowing during baking by using a small spoon or piping bag for precise placement.
• Swap whole wheat and almond flour with gluten-free options like oat or coconut flour for dietary needs.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a beautiful round shape.

Fun Twists for Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Delight: Replace strawberry jam with melted chocolate chips or chocolate spread for a rich, decadent cookie variation.
• Nutty Crunch: Swap almond flour with ground pecans or walnuts, adding extra texture and nutty flavor to the base.
• Vegan Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with a flax egg, and choose maple syrup as the sweetener for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or oat flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

Pairings for Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Pair these sweet thumbprint cookies with a chilled lavender lemonade for a refreshing contrast that complements the jam’s fruity richness.

Serve alongside a creamy chai tea latte, whose warm spices will enhance the cookie’s subtle honey and vanilla notes.

Enjoy with a light, crisp white wine like Moscato, which matches the cookie’s delicate sweetness and fruity strawberry jam center.

Match with a cold brew coffee featuring vanilla or almond undertones, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the cookie’s nutty almond flour base.

Storing Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies Safely

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between each row. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and jam freshness.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.
• Place cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal flavor and crispness.
• Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check carefully to prevent jam from overheating and maintain cookie's delicate structure.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of flour instead of whole wheat and almond flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and replace almond flour with regular flour or gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste might slightly change.

• How can I prevent the jam from burning during baking?

Make sure to use only 1/2 teaspoon of jam in each cookie indentation. Place the jam in the center and don’t let it touch the baking sheet directly. This helps prevent burning and ensures even baking.

• Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

This could happen if the butter was too soft or warm. Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies to help them maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet nostalgia meets delightful indulgence with strawberry jam thumbprint cookies, a classic treat that whispers childhood memories. Buttery, crumbly shortbread cradles a dollop of luscious strawberry preserve, inviting you to savor each tender, homemade bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (sugar-free if preferred)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 175C (350F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Blend whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture that will provide structure to the cookies.
3. Cream butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and smooth, developing a rich flavor base.
4. Incorporate the egg thoroughly, ensuring a cohesive and smooth consistency throughout the dough.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring until a soft, pliable dough emerges.
6. Craft uniform cookie portions by scooping tablespoon-sized dough and rolling into perfect spheres, then arranging them carefully on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Create a gentle depression in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the curved back of a spoon, forming a delicate well for the jam.
8. Delicately fill each cookie’s center with strawberry jam, ensuring a precise and generous dollop that will melt during baking.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a light golden hue developing around the cookie edges.
10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Add a splash of almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor from the almond flour and create a more complex taste profile.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a more defined thumbprint shape.
• For a gluten-free version, swap whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or homemade preserves to personalize these delightful cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 112 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg