Easy Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

plate of freshly baked thumbprint cookies with a strawberry jam filling. The cookies have a golden-brown color and a slightly cracked surface. Each cookie has a small indentation in the center, filled with a bright red strawberry jam. The background is a rustic wooden surface with visible grain and knots

Looking for a simple, delicious, and visually stunning cookie recipe? These Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for any occasion! With a buttery base and a sweet strawberry jam center, they’re the ultimate treat to brighten up your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, tea party, or just a sweet snack, this easy thumbprint cookie recipe is sure to impress.

These cookies combine a soft, buttery shortbread with the fruity sweetness of strawberry jam, making them a delightful and versatile treat. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite jams or jellies. Plus, their charming appearance makes them perfect for gifting or festive gatherings.

Ingredients for Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery strawberry cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or your favorite flavor)

How to Make Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
  2. If the dough feels too crumbly, mix with your hands until it’s smooth and cohesive.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

  1. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
  2. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Create the Thumbprints

  1. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
  2. Be careful not to press all the way through the dough.

Step 6: Fill with Strawberry Jam

  1. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

  • Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
  • Jam Alternatives: While strawberry jam is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry.
  • Decorative Touch: Sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar after they’ve cooled for a festive look.
  • Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why These Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies Are the Best

These jam-filled thumbprint cookies are the perfect combination of buttery goodness and fruity sweetness. They’re soft, crumbly, and packed with flavor. The vibrant red center of strawberry jam adds a pop of color, making them as beautiful as they are tasty.