Save Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful, festive treat.
I first tried these cherry almond thumbprint cookies for a holiday party and they quickly became a favorite among my friends and family. The combination of almond flavor and cherry jam makes every bite memorable.
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, if jam is very thick
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g), optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add yolk and extracts:
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Form dough:
- Add the flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies:
- Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Make wells:
- Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Fill with 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.
Save My kids love helping press the thumbprints into the dough and spooning in the jam. These cookies make our kitchen smell like sweet holidays and happy memories.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and tree nuts (almond extract and sliced almonds). Double-check jam and almond extract for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 105, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 1 g per serving
Save Serve these thumbprint cookies fresh for best flavor. Store in an airtight container to keep them soft and delicious.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I substitute almond extract if allergic?
Omit almond extract and sliced almonds for a nut-free version, or replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- → What is the best way to fill the cookies with cherry jam?
If the jam is thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it before filling the well created in each dough ball with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- → Can other jams be used instead of cherry?
Yes, apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jams work equally well and provide delightful variations.
- → What temperature and time should these thumbprints be baked?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 13–15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- → How do sliced almonds enhance the cookies?
Sliced almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty aroma, complementing the sweet and buttery flavors of the thumbprints.