Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies | Easy and Foolproof Recipe

I originally published this recipe in 2020 and have since added new photos and a few more success tips.

Filled cookie recipes are popular the world over, and with good reason. From South American alfajores cookies to Jewish hamantaschen, French macarons to these Swedish hallongratta (a.k.a. jam filled cookies), these special treats make any occasion feel celebratory. 

Why You’ll Love Jam Cookies

• With over 201,000 views and 6,000 likes on my YouTube video, you can rest assured this is a cookie recipe that works. It’s easy enough for beginners to master!
• You only need 6 simple ingredients to make a batch, which is always a plus in my book. While the traditional Swedish recipe calls for raspberry jam, you can mix and match the preserves of your choice. That means one batch can yield multiple flavors to satisfy a range of palates.
• Jam thumbprint cookies are also quite beautiful, with a glistening jewel-toned center. So, even though they’re a snap to make, they’re fancy enough for company!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Butter – I use salted butter to keep ingredients to a minimum. Feel free to use unsalted and add ¼ – ½ teaspoon salt to taste. If possible, opt for European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and richer taste than conventional.
• Powdered Sugar – Also known as icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar, this provides both structure and sweetness. Fresh out? Make your own by blitzing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a food processor.
• Vanilla Extract – This magical ingredient makes the cookie base taste sweet and warm. You’re welcome to use an equal amount of vanilla paste.
• Egg Yolk – Using just the yolk ensures a soft, crumbly shortbread texture. Make sure to separate the egg when it’s cold, as the yolk is less likely to break. And don’t forget to use the leftover egg white to get the most out of your grocery haul!
• All-Purpose Flour – Plain white flour is all you need. You can also use cake flour, but the jam thumbprint cookies will be a bit softer if you do.
• Jam – Raspberry is classic in Sweden, but apricot, strawberry, or orange marmalade all work beautifully. You can also use lighter jelly if you prefer.

This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇

The Origin of Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Jam cookies trace their roots back to Sweden, where they’re known as hallongrotta, which translates to “raspberry cave.” These traditional treats are made from a simple butter cookie dough rolled into balls, then pressed with a thumb or the back of a spoon to create a little well, perfect for holding a spoonful of jam. 

The contrast between the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and the bright, fruity filling has made them a beloved classic for generations. While raspberry jam remains the most traditional filling, the thumbprint cookie has traveled far beyond its Scandinavian origins and taken on many modern variations. 

Today, you’ll find endless creative spins, from lemon thumbprint cookies filled with tangy lemon curd to chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with ganache. You can also find thumbprint cookies made with everything from apricot preserves to grape jelly, dulce de leche to peanut butter!

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies with Jam in the Middle

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the BEST Jam Cookies recipe.

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box for the full written recipe! 👇

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free – I haven’t tried it, but I think using a cup-for-cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend should work here. Opt for one with xanthan gum and allow the dough to rest a minimum of 30 minutes for the best texture.
• Dairy-Free – Simply swap in high-quality vegan butter.
• Egg-Free – Make my easy eggless butter cookies recipe as the base, then shape, fill, and bake as instructed.
• Vegan – Follow the instructions for making them egg-free and dairy-free for a plant-based treat. Make sure your filling is vegan friendly—most fruit preserves are, but many curds are not.
• Add Texture – Roll the dough balls in chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans) or turbinado sugar before shaping and baking.
• Nutty Twist – Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolatey – Drizzle cooled jam cookies with melted chocolate for a festive touch. Feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate if you prefer!

Expert Tips & Tricks 

• Chill the Dough – If your cookies tend to spread too much in the oven, chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before shaping. Cold dough holds its form better and makes it easier to press neat wells.
• Prevent Jam Overflow – Remember that jam expands as it bakes. Fill each indentation only about two-thirds full to avoid bubbling over the edges and creating a sticky mess.
• Make Ahead for Neater Cookies – For extra tidy results, bake the cookies plain, then spoon the jam into the centers after baking. (A demitasse spoon is perfect for the job!) This also allows you to use mix and match delicate fillings like lemon curd or chocolate ganache that don’t hold up well to high heat.
• Press Wells Gently – Use your thumb, the back of a measuring spoon, or the end of a wooden spoon to create uniform indentations. If the dough cracks, just pinch it back together before baking.
• Rotate the Pan – For even browning, rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking. This is especially important if your oven has hot spots.
• Use Parchment or a Silicone Mat – This makes cleanup easier and prevents the bottoms of the cookies from sticking or over-browning.
• Cool Before Storing – Let the cookies cool completely before stacking or storing. Warm jam can glue the cookies together.

How to Serve Jam Cookies

Jam thumbprint cookies are as versatile as they are charming, making them perfect for a wide range of occasions. They’re a classic addition to holiday cookie trays, where their jewel-like centers add a pop of color alongside traditional favorites like snickerdoodles and chocolate crinkle cookies. At tea time, these beauties are fit for pinkies-up snacking.

These jam-filled cookies are also a thoughtful homemade food gift for Christmas. Arrange them in a tin, box, or cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a beautiful presentation. For special gatherings, you can mix and match fillings (raspberry, apricot, lemon curd, chocolate ganache) so there’s something for everyone. 

Of course, they don’t need a special occasion: a couple of thumbprint cookies with an afternoon coffee or a glass of cold milk make for a fantastic moment of “me time.” Kids also love them as a lunchbox treat!

How to Store Thumbprint Cookies

• Room Temperature – Keep extra thumbprint cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator – You can also store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Freezer – Freeze jam cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs