You guys are going to LOVE this Easy Thumbprint Cookies recipe! The dough is a snap to throw together, and it requires no chilling and is super simple to work with. The end result is a light cookie crumb with sweet jam in the center.
Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Thumbprint cookies have been around forEVER it seems like, but somehow I’d NEVER made them!
I usually avoid most sugar and shortbread cookie recipes because sometimes they can be hard to get right. The texture is off or they require too much chilling and rolling and fuss, and for the last few years Christmas has been overwhelming enough (I need a SPREADSHEET that gets a lot of attention just to make sure I don’t like – forget to buy presents for a kid at this point) and fussy cookie recipes just haven’t been my jam.
KNow what IS my jam though?
These thumbprint cookies. With our Homemade Raspberry Jam. That’s what.
Freaky Friday Recipe Swap
It is time for Freaky Friday again, folks! That’s a 4-5 times a year event that I participate in with a group of bloggers. It is hosted by one of my all-time-faves, Michaela of An Affair from the Heart.
She makes things like her Grandma’s Hamburger Soup, that I kind of want to just dive into and live there now it looks so warm and comforting, her Aunt Carol’s Poppyseed Rolls (totally making these the next time I make rolls), these DARLING Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies which will definitely be finding a spot in my 2020 Christmas Cookie Extravaganza (Follow along on Instagram for more on that), and these genius Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls, coming to a taco salad near me, REAL soon.
Each Freaky Friday cycle entails getting assigned another blogger, in secret, and then choosing a recipe from their site according to a set theme, and then making it, photographing it, and posting about it.
Last year for the cookie exchange I made these awesome cookies from Take Two Tapas. I’ve also made French Onion Risotto, Air Fryer Shrimp, and Parmesan Halibut.
In this round, I got assigned none other than Amy from House of Nash Eats.
Not only is her site one of the most beautiful sites I’ve ever laid my eyes on (and I look at a LOT of websites on any given day), but her recipes are inventive, creative, and so beautifully photographed that I want to kick her a little and just sent every foodie I know her way because if a site like that doesn’t deserve ALL of the good things and traffic and fans, I don’t know what does.
I will definitely be making a version of these candied walnuts on our pellet grill, stat.
Our theme this month is a “Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange”, and as soon as Michaela sent me my assigned blogger I was SO EXCITED. Girlfriend has so.many.holiday.cookies to choose from!
Her whole Christmas recipe collection is here, but I wanted to highlight some recipes that were WAY in the running for being featured in this post.
House of Nash Eats Fabulous Christmas Cookies
Thumbprint Cookies shopping list
- butter
- sugar
- egg yolks
- vanilla
- flour
- cornstarch
- salt
- raspberry jam
- powdered sugar
- heavy cream
How to make thumbprint cookies with jam
- Preheat your oven to 375°.
- Cream the butter and sugar for about 5 minutes in a stand mixer. Way longer than you think you have to.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla, and mix until they are combined.
- Mix together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix into the creamed butter mixture until combined.
- Roll small balls of the dough in your hands and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Press your thumb into the balls.
- Microwave some jam for 15-20 seconds. Spoon into the depression made by your thumb.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until light golden brown around the bottom edge of the cookie.
- Remove and let cool for 2-3 minutes, and then move to a rack.
- Let cool 15-20 minutes before icing.
- To make the icing, whisk together the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Place it into a plastic bag and cut the end off before piping it in a zig-zag pattern.
Freaky Friday Cookie Exchange 2020
Microwave Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
Fudge is such a great addition to any cookie platter, and this one looks particularly amazing!
Fudgy Chocolate Caramel Brownies
Oh yeah. You know I'm partial to this one since this is the awesome blogger who got to pick from OWYD! These brownies are LEGIT, as is she.
The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Chocolate chips AND pudding? You get both in these soft, delicious cookies!
Peppermint Chocolate Drop Cookies
Drop cookies are my favorite because they are SO EASY and don't require much manipulation of the dough once it is mixed.
Easy 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are usually SUCH an ordeal. Worth it, but a commitment, none-the-less. Not these ones! In one hour you can have hot, fresh cinnamon rolls too.
Candy Coated Crispix Mix
YES. If my kids knew candy-coated-cereal existed I don't think they'd want anything else ever. This looks incredible!
Homemade Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are such a classic, and these are festive and adorable.
Mint Fudge Brownies
Mint & chocolate is a classic combination, and these browies really highlight both so well! Plus they are SO BEAUTIFUL.
Holiday Brownie Cookie
Brownie cookies for.the.win! I love the cute icing and decorations here, and brownie is my favorite kind of chocolate so I'll take two please.
Homemade Buckeyes Recipe
I grew up eating these, and they are one of my very favorite Christmas cookies, EVER. Love it!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies
What's better than a plain brownie? Definitely a cookie dough brownie. YUM.
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
These light, airy cookies are perfectly sweet with the jam and glaze on the top!
Ingredients
- 2 cups salted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolk
- 4 teaspoons vanilla (or 1 TBSP + 1 tsp)
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch (or 1 TBSP + 1 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
GLAZE
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°.
- Cream the butter and sugar for about 5 minutes in a stand mixer. Scrape down the sides as you go.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla, and mix until they are combined.
- Mix together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix into the creamed butter mixture. Scrape down the bottom and sides as you go!
- Roll small balls of the dough in your hands and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press your thumb into the balls to make an imprint and a little "bowl" for the jam.
- Microwave some jam for 15-20 seconds. Spoon into the depression made by your thumb.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until light golden brown around the bottom edge of the cookie.
- Remove and let cool for 2-3 minutes, and then move to a rack.
- Let cool 15-20 minutes before icing.
- To make the icing, whisk together the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Place it into a plastic bag and cut the end off before piping it in a zig-zag pattern.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 430Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 266mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 4g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
Amy
Thursday 10th of December 2020
Oh my goodness you are so generous and kind with your nice words about my blog! I'm so glad you made these cookies! They are so delicious and always a hit over here! And your photos are gorgeous!
Nicole Johnson
Friday 11th of December 2020
Thanks, Amy!! <3
Erin
Monday 7th of December 2020
I love Amy and the fact that you made these beauties from her site!
Also, I'm adding these cookies to my baking list for this Christmas because I love a good thumbprint cookie, too. And I love a raspberry jam-filled one (because raspberry in cookies is SO GOOD.)
Jennifer Stewart
Sunday 6th of December 2020
These Thumbprint cookies are light and full of flavor. A great addition for my holiday cookie tray.
Angela
Saturday 5th of December 2020
Oh my goodness do I love a thumbprint cookie! A perfect addition to the holiday dessert table!
Kathleen Pope
Friday 4th of December 2020
Nom-nom-nom and I couldn't agree more, Amy is the bomb! I have never made thumbprints either, but these look divine!