If you adore bite-sized treats that combine buttery, tender cookies with a burst of sweet fruit, you are in for a real delight with this Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe. These charming little cookies are simple to make yet impressively delicious, boasting a perfect crumbly texture crowned with vibrant dollops of jam. Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering, an afternoon tea, or just a cozy snack, this recipe brings warmth and joy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that blend to create a perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and fruity goodness. Each item plays its part to ensure your cookies turn out heavenly—yielding buttery softness, light sweetness, and that irresistible jammy center.
- 225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides the tender, buttery base essential for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar: Adds the perfect subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma and enhances the flavor of the entire cookie.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough together, ensuring the right consistency and softness.
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose): The foundation ingredient that provides structure without toughness.
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam: The star topping—fruit-sweet and tangy, adding vibrant color and flavor to each cookie.
How to Make Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C if you have a fan-forced oven. Line two baking trays with parchment paper to ensure your cookies come off easily and bake evenly—no sticking, no fuss.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using an electric beater or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 1 1/2 minutes. The mixture should become light, creamy, and fluffy—this step sets the foundation for those tender cookies we all love.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla, Egg, and Salt
Next, beat in the vanilla extract, egg, and salt for roughly 20 seconds until just combined. This step helps bring richness and flavor depth while keeping your dough smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Add the plain flour and continue beating until the flour just disappears into the dough. The dough will look a little crumbly—that’s exactly what you want. Resist the urge to overmix, as too much kneading can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Measure about 1 tablespoon of dough (approximately with a #60 cookie scoop) and pack it tightly. Tap the dough out onto your palm, scrunch and press it slightly, then roll into a smooth ball around 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter. Flatten each ball gently into a 1.25 cm (0.5 inch) thick disc. Then, using your thumb, make a neat indentation in the center. This careful shaping creates perfect “thumbprints” without cracks, ensuring your jam nestles beautifully.
Step 6: Fill With Jam
Arrange your cookies on the prepared trays, spacing them about 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) apart to allow for some spreading while baking. Spoon a heaped 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each thumbprint indent. This fruity jewel will become the heart of your cookie.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the trays simultaneously for 14 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the tops pale. Around the 10-minute mark, rotate and swap the trays to guarantee even baking. After removing from the oven, allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays—the bases finish setting as they cool, making them easier to handle and preserving that tender texture.
How to Serve Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
Though the cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy sparkle that makes them visually irresistible. Fresh mint leaves nearby add a refreshing contrast that pairs surprisingly well when serving as part of a dessert platter.
Side Dishes
Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) make an excellent companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more elaborate tea time, serve with lemon curd, clotted cream, or a selection of cheeses to balance the sweetness with some savory or tangy elements. They also pair delightfully with fresh fruit or a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your jam drops into delightful gifts by placing them in decorative tins or wrapping them in festive cellophane, tied with a ribbon. Alternatively, arrange them on tiered serving trays alongside other small cookies and treats for an elegant party or holiday spread that will wow guests visually and palate-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have extra jam drops, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for up to 5 days, staying fresh and tender without losing their delightful jam centers.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls or baked cookies. For dough, portion, shape, and freeze on a baking tray before transferring to a sealed container or bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—just thaw at room temperature when craving that sweet treat.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture after storage, warm your jam drops lightly in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their buttery softness and refreshes the jam’s shine, almost as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of jam in this Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any jam or preserve you love, such as apricot, blueberry, or even marmalade. Just make sure the jam is smooth enough to nestle nicely without being too runny.
What can I substitute if I don’t have caster sugar?
You can use regular granulated sugar as a substitute without any issues. Just note that superfine sugar dissolves faster and gives a slightly finer texture, but regular sugar works well and keeps the recipe simple.
Why are my cookies cracking around the jam indent?
Cracking usually happens if the dough is too dry or if you press the indent too hard. Using your thumb gently and rolling the dough balls smoothly, as in the recipe, helps prevent cracks and keeps the jam nestled perfectly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to hold the dough together.
How long do baked Jam Drops stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about 5 days. Beyond that, they may start to lose their tender texture, so enjoy them sooner rather than later!
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite matches the simple joy of freshly baked cookies, and this Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe is a special one to keep in your baking repertoire. The lovely balance of buttery dough and vibrant jam centers makes them irresistible every time, whether shared or savored quietly with your favorite warm drink. Give them a go—you won’t regret having this classic, charming cookie in your collection!
Print
Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
Description
Jam Drops, also known as Thumbprint Cookies, are delicate buttery cookies filled with a sweet dollop of strawberry or raspberry jam. These classic biscuits are easy to make and perfect for teatime or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar (regular granulated sugar can be used)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (~50-55g/2oz)
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam, or any other flavor, mixed well to loosen
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 1 1/2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract, egg, and salt for approximately 20 seconds until fully incorporated, making sure the mixture is uniform.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the plain flour and beat until no white flour is visible. The dough will be crumbly but firm enough to hold shape.
- Form Cookies: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the dough (about 3 cm or 1.2 inches in diameter) using a #60 cookie scoop. Press the dough tightly in your hand and roll into a smooth ball. Flatten the ball into a 1.25 cm (0.5 inch) thick disc and use your thumb to create an indentation in the center without cracking the dough.
- Fill: Place the formed cookies on the prepared trays, leaving about 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) between each cookie for expansion. Fill each thumbprint with a slightly heaped 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake: Bake both trays simultaneously in the oven for about 14 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, rotate and switch the trays between racks to ensure even baking. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops remain a pale golden color.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking trays. This lets the bases finish baking and helps the cookies set properly before removing them.
Notes
- You can use regular granulated sugar if superfine sugar is not available; the texture will still be good.
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to achieve a better dough consistency.
- Using your thumb to create the indent prevents cracking compared to using a spoon or other tool.
- If the jam is too thick, mix it lightly to loosen for easier filling.
- Cookies keep well stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
