Jam Drop Cookies (Thumbprint Cookies)
Jam Drop Cookies (Thumbprint Cookies)
These jam drop cookies — also called thumbprint cookies — are buttery, soft shortbread rounds with a sweet jam center. Eight ingredients, no chilling, and they bake in just 12 minutes. The simplest and most satisfying cookie you’ll ever make.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect
- No chilling — mix, shape, bake
- Soft and buttery shortbread texture
- Use any jam — raspberry, strawberry, apricot
- 25 minutes total time
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup jam of choice
How to Make Them
Step 1 — Preheat 350°F. Beat butter and sugar 2 min until fluffy. Add vanilla. Mix in flour and salt until just combined.
Step 2 — Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on lined sheets. Press deep wells with thumb.
Step 3 — Fill wells with ¼ tsp jam each. Don’t overfill.
Step 4 — Bake 12–14 min until edges barely golden. Cool on sheet 5 min, then transfer to rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Difference between jam drops and thumbprint cookies?
Same cookie, different regional names. “Thumbprint” is US/Canadian, “jam drops” is Australian/British.
Why do they crack when pressed?
Butter too cold. Use fully room-temperature butter.
Best jam?
Raspberry is classic. Use thick jam, not thin jelly. If runny, simmer 2 min to thicken first.
Can I use Nutella?
Yes — fill after baking so it doesn’t burn.
Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze baked cookies up to 3 months. Or freeze unbaked balls without filling for 2 months.
Granulated vs powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar gives the classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Granulated makes them crispier.
How long do they last?
5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — doubles perfectly. One batch makes about 30 cookies.
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Best Jam Drop Biscuits
Indulge in the joy of homemade goodness with these irresistible jam drop biscuits, featuring a tender buttery base complemented by a burst of fruity jam. Perfect for any occasion, these biscuits are easy to make and highly customizable to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Jam of your choice (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to the specified temperature and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and combine well.
- Gradually sift in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking tray, spacing them apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam, taking care not to overfill.
- Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
