Pin Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful, festive treat.
The first time I baked these cookies, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of almond and cherry. Everyone in my family immediately gathered around to grab a warm cookie straight from the tray.
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, only if jam is thick
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g), optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Add flour and salt. Mix until soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Create wells:
- Press thumb or teaspoon into center of each ball for a well.
- Prepare jam:
- If jam is thick, stir in water to loosen. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon cherry jam.
- Add almonds:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around edges, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake 13–15 minutes until lightly golden on edges.
- Cool:
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Pin One holiday, my kids loved adding the almond garnish, and it turned into a fun family tradition we still enjoy each winter.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, and cooling rack.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat, egg, milk, and tree nuts. If needed, double-check jam and almond extract for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 cookie) has 105 calories, 6 g total fat, 12 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Pin Serve these cookies with a mug of tea for the perfect afternoon treat. They stay fresh for days in an airtight container.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the jam from overflowing during baking?
Press the dough firmly to create a well just deep enough for the filling and use a thick jam or slightly loosen it with water to control its consistency.
- → Can these treats be made nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the almond extract and sliced almonds for a nut-free version while maintaining the buttery base flavor.
- → What is the best way to store these thumbprints?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer keeping.
- → Are substitutions possible for the cherry jam filling?
Absolutely, apricot, raspberry, or strawberry preserves work well as alternatives and complement the almond flavor nicely.
- → How can I achieve a tender, buttery texture in the dough?
Cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate egg yolk and extracts before adding flour and salt for the right dough consistency.