Pin it Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful, festive treat.
Growing up, thumbprint cookies were the star dessert at every holiday gathering. I love how a hint of almond makes these cookies irresistible.
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Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (130 g)
- Egg yolk: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Almond extract: 1 1/2 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Cherry jam: 1/2 cup (160 g), budget-friendly or homemade
- Water: 1–2 tbsp, only if jam is very thick
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g), optional
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Instructions
- Prepare oven and pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter & sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in wet ingredients:
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Add dry ingredients:
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form cookies:
- Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create wells:
- Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Prep & fill jam:
- If jam is thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges of the cookies, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin it My kids love helping to press their thumbs into the dough and choose which jam goes into each cookie. These traditions make the recipe extra special for us.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a cooling rack are all you need.
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and tree nuts (almond extract and sliced almonds). Always double-check your jam and almond extract for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 105 calories, 6 g total fat, 12 g carbs, 1 g protein.
Pin it 
Serve these cookies fresh for the best texture. They also freeze beautifully for making ahead of any festive occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these thumbprints their almond flavor?
The dough includes almond extract, which imparts a warm, nutty aroma and taste that complements the cherry filling perfectly.
- → Can I substitute the cherry jam with other flavors?
Absolutely! Apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jams work well as flavorful alternatives to cherry.
- → How do I ensure the dough has the right consistency?
Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg yolk and extracts before gradually incorporating the flour and salt until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- → Is it possible to make a nut-free version?
Yes, simply omit the almond extract and sliced almonds for a nut-free variation.
- → What’s the best way to fill the thumbprints with jam?
Press a well in each dough ball before baking, and fill it with cherry jam; if the jam is thick, stir in a little water to loosen it.
