Contents
- 1 A Timeless Treat with a Summer Twist
- 2 📌 Why You’ll Love These Thumbprint Cookies
- 3 🛒 Ingredients for Apricot Thumbprint Cookies
- 4 🍪 How to Make Apricot Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- 5 🧁 Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- 6 🍽 Serving & Storing Suggestions
- 7 ❓ FAQs – Apricot Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- 8 💡 Variations and Flavor Twists
- 9 🍊 Final Thoughts: A Cookie That Brings Joy All Year Round
- 10 Rhubarb Lemon Bars Recipe
- 11 4th of July Fruit Pizza
- 12 Zero-Waste Pulp Brownies
A Timeless Treat with a Summer Twist
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of buttery, tender cookie dough and sweet-tart apricot jam, look no further. These Apricot Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, filling a cookie tin, or simply indulging in a little afternoon tea, these melt-in-your-mouth bites are the perfect addition to any table.
With their signature “thumbprint” center filled with glossy golden jam, they’re not only delicious but also visually stunning—and surprisingly easy to make!
Only 7 pantry-friendly ingredients
Short chill time for faster baking
Customizable with any jam
Soft, rich, and buttery texture
Naturally egg-free (perfect for egg allergies!)
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup apricot jam (use store-bought or homemade apricot jam without pectin)
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This creates a soft, airy texture in your cookies.
2. Add Vanilla and Mix
Stir in the vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of almond extract if you like a nutty undertone.
3. Add Flour and Salt
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—it can make the cookies tough.
4. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30–45 minutes. This helps firm it up so your cookies hold their shape during baking.
5. Shape and Press
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Place on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a ½ teaspoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each ball.
6. Fill with Jam
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of apricot jam into each indentation. Don’t overfill—the jam will spread slightly as it bakes.
7. Bake
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain pale and soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Finishing Touch
Once cooled, you can dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy look—especially pretty during the holidays!
Use High-Quality Jam
The flavor of these cookies depends heavily on the jam, so choose one with real fruit and no artificial flavors. Homemade apricot jam is ideal!
Prevent Cracking
To minimize cracking when pressing the thumbprint, press gently and make sure the dough isn’t too cold when forming.
Reseal the Indentations (If Needed)
If the indentations puff up too much during baking, you can gently press them down again while the cookies are hot out of the oven.
🍽 Serving & Storing Suggestions
How to Serve:
With a cup of tea or coffee
As part of a cookie gift box
On a dessert platter with chocolate and fruit
Storage:
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerated: Up to 2 weeks (best if using homemade jam).
Frozen: Freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use a different jam?
Yes! Raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or fig jam all work beautifully. For a tart contrast, try lemon curd.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Make sure the butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough before baking. Over-creaming the butter can also cause excess spreading.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just note the texture may vary slightly.
Are these cookies egg-free?
Yes! This is a naturally egg-free cookie dough, which is great for those with allergies.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Form into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, make the indent, and add jam before baking.
💡 Variations and Flavor Twists
Nutty Thumbprints: Roll the dough balls in finely chopped almonds or pecans before pressing the indent.
Spiced Dough: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant finish.
These Apricot Jam Thumbprint Cookies offer a beautiful blend of buttery richness and fruity brightness, making them an irresistible treat any time of year. They’re as welcome on a summer picnic as they are on a Christmas cookie tray. With just a few ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a batch of bakery-quality cookies that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.