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Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 36
Ingredients: 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup shortening; 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1 egg, separated; 1 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts; Jelly

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By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated Nov 15, 2024

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They say that good things come in small packages, and these jam-packed Thumbprint Cookies are no exception! They’re yummy, easy to make, and easily customizable—you can’t go wrong filling your shortbread-style jelly cookies with apricot, raspberry, or even mint jelly. These traditional, bite-sized cookies were originally named “thimble cookies” because a thimble was often used to press the indents into each ball of cookie dough. Now, the jelly- or jam-filled indents are typically pressed in using the baker’s thumb. Whatever you call these yummy cookies with jam in the middle, they’re always a hit at special events and holiday gatherings!

Our simple recipe for thumb cookies has been tested to perfection, with an easy-to-make, subtly sweet shortbread-style cookie dough that allows the jam to shine through. Our favorite part of these delicious jelly thumbprint cookies? It’s got to be the almonds. Each ball of cookie dough is rolled in finely chopped almonds before baking, bringing a satisfying crunch with each bite.

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

Jelly thumbprint cookies are so easy to make! Check out this quick summary before reading the full step-by-step recipe.

Heat Oven

While your oven heats, set out all the ingredients and tools you need to make thumbprint cookies.

Mix Cookie Dough

It’s time to make your cookie dough! Mix up the brown sugar, shortening, butter, vanilla, and egg yolk in a medium bowl, then stir in the flour and salt until the dough holds together.

Create Dough Balls

Shape your dough into individual balls, then dip the dough balls into a beaten egg white, roll them in finely chopped nuts, and place them on your ungreased cookie sheet. Here’s where the magic happens! Deeply press your thumb into the center of each cookie ball to create the classic thumb indentation on these thumbprint cookies.

Bake and Fill Cookies

Bake your cookies until light brown, then immediately remove them from your cookie sheet and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Next, you’ll fill the thumbprints with your jelly of choice—we’re big fans of raspberry, strawberry, and mint jelly cookies! Want to fill them a little more efficiently? Try warming up your jam or jelly in the microwave a little bit first, then give it a vigorous stir to loosen it up. Heating it slightly makes it easier to work with.

Storing Thumbprint Cookies

Have leftover thumbprint cookies after your holiday get-together? Don’t worry—your extras can be stored in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This ensures the best quality, as opposed to keeping them in the fridge. It’s also a good idea to store jelly thumbprint cookies separately from other types (or different flavors) of cookies to prevent flavor transfer.

If you’d like to make and freeze cookies ahead of time, bake and completely cool your thumbprint cookies without filling them. Freeze them in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve up a delicious treat, cover and thaw your cookies at room temperature. Once thawed, fill them with jelly and serve!

Other Cookies We Know You’ll Love!

If you’re a fan of this classic recipe for thumb cookies, we know you’ve got great taste! Want to serve up a full spread of cookies at your next holiday get-together or special event? Here are some of our other favorite cookie recipes to serve a crowd.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: It’s hard to beat traditional homemade chocolate chip cookies, and these ones are sure to impress cookie connoisseurs everywhere. They’re slightly crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside.

Snickerdoodle Cookies: Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie choice for the holidays, with a comforting aroma and yummy cinnamon-sugar taste that both kids and adults love. Our rich and buttery snickerdoodles are must-makes at Christmastime!

Peanut Butter Blossoms: Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. We love serving up tender, sweet-salty peanut butter cookies topped with silky chocolate kisses.

Sugar Cookies: This homemade sugar cookie dough is easy to mix up, roll out, and cut into your desired shapes—and kids love decorating the baked sugar cookies with fun, festive icing designs!

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: Short on time? No problem! Our sweet and nutty no-bake cookies with oatmeal, coconut, peanut butter, and chocolate serve up crowd-pleasing results without any baking required.

More About This Recipe

Classic thumbprint cookies are a festive addition to holiday cookie trays. This shortbread-style cookie is incredibly easy to make. Cookie dough gets rolled into balls and then dipped in finely chopped nuts. If the dough is too soft to roll, refrigerate it for a few minutes before handling. For an even bake, make sure each dough ball is the same size and shape and spaced evenly on the baking sheet. When adding your thumbprint to each one, make sure to create a deep indentation, so you’ll have a nice spot to spoon the jelly after the cookies come out of the oven. Classic thumbprint cookies add a touch of personalization to your holiday cookie tray. If you want more cookie ideas to make your own, check out Betty’s cookie cheat sheet and don’t forget about the rest of her thumbprint cookie recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Alternatives to Filling Cookies with Jam?

While jam and jelly are traditional fillings for thumbprint cookies, you can always get creative and try something new! Here are some ideas for alternative fillings.

Chocolate Ganache: Chocolate fans will love this one! Fill your thumbprints with store-bought or homemade chocolate ganache for a rich and indulgent twist on the traditional treat.

Nutella or Peanut Butter: Spoon a dollop of Nutella or peanut butter into the center of each thumbprint cookie for a nutty and creamy twist.

Caramel: If you like cookies with a sweet and ooey-gooey center, use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce to fill the thumbprints! Salted caramel is extra delicious—try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.

Buttercream or Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy frostings make excellent fillings for thimble cookies—and you can use any of your favorite homemade or store-bought versions. We’d recommend trying a sweet buttercream or slightly tangy cream cheese frosting.

Do You Fill the Cookies Before or After Baking?

Wondering why we recommend filling these jelly thumbprint cookies after they’re fully baked and cooled? This practical approach helps ensure the best flavor, appearance, and texture of the cookies and the jam filling. Here’s how that works.

Preserves Jam Flavor and Texture: Filling the thimble cookies after baking helps ensure that the jam maintains its vibrant color, flavor, and texture without going all runny or overheating during the baking process.

Prevents Jam Leakage or Spreading: If you were to add the jam before baking the cookies, the jam may spread out or leak in the oven. This would result in messy cookies and potentially burnt or caramelized jam. Yikes!

Allows for Adjustments: Filling the cookies after baking allows you to adjust the amount of jam in each thumbprint cookie. This helps ensure an even distribution of jam without worrying about it spreading too thin or overflowing.

Maintains Cookie Structure: Baking the cookies without the jam allows them to fully set and maintain their structure, ensuring they have the right texture and don’t become overly soft or soggy.