Name: Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup jam or chocolate for filling

Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, and adorned with sweet jam or chocolate centers—Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are the kind of treat that never goes out of style. These cookies have a nostalgic charm and a rich, shortbread-like texture that makes them perfect for holiday platters, afternoon tea, or just a little something special with your coffee.

What sets these thumbprints apart is their simplicity and versatility. The dough is rich with butter and just a touch of vanilla, forming a delicate base for whatever filling you choose. Whether you go for raspberry jam, lemon curd, or a silky chocolate ganache, the possibilities are endless. And the best part? They look as good as they taste.

What Kind of Filling Works Best for Thumbprint Cookies?

The beauty of butter thumbprint cookies is how they pair with nearly any filling. For a classic touch, use raspberry or strawberry jam. Want a tangy contrast? Try lemon curd or orange marmalade. Chocolate lovers can fill theirs with ganache or melted chocolate chips. The trick is to use a filling that thickens slightly when baked, so it doesn’t run.

Ingredients for the Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup jam or chocolate (for filling)

How To Make the Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Flour

Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in each cookie. Chill the shaped dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam or chocolate. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, the filling will set, and the cookies will have their signature tender texture.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature, letting their buttery base and flavorful filling shine. Arrange them on a festive tray for holidays or gift them in tins for a homemade touch.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made and chilled up to 48 hours in advance. Just let it soften slightly before shaping.

Should I fill them before or after baking?

Fill them before baking. This allows the filling to set nicely and meld with the cookie base.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just omit the additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt from the recipe.

My cookies spread too much. What happened?

Make sure to chill the dough before baking. Warm dough tends to spread more, especially with high butter content.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for best results.

If these Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies hit the spot, you might also love exploring other sweet options like these:

Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies with deep nutty flavor.
Lemon Churro Cookies that mix bright citrus with cinnamon warmth.
Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies for chewy richness.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies bringing nostalgia in every bite.
Brown Sugar Maple Cookies full of cozy fall spice.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest cookie board so you can always come back to it: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Tried these with chocolate centers or swapped in apricot jam? I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Drop a comment with your version or questions—sharing makes baking more fun for everyone.

Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Classic Butter Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with your favorite jam or chocolate. They’re simple to make and perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats. Customize them with your favorite fillings and enjoy a nostalgic cookie that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup jam or chocolate for filling

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

2. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing just until dough forms.

3. Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make an indentation in each using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

4. Chill the tray in the fridge for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam or chocolate.

6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are golden.

7. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.