Name: Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 1 h 56 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter softened; 3/4 cup sugar divided; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup seedless raspberry jam; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons water

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 10 reviews

There’s just something downright irresistible about a classic cookie with a burst of fruit jam right in the center. If you’re on the hunt for a wonderfully buttery, flavorful treat, you’re going to absolutely adore this Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These cookies have been a family favorite for years, and I promise, they bake up perfectly every time—crispy on the edges, a little crunchy, and topped with a sweet layer of raspberry jam and icing that’s just the right touch. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Texture: Buttery dough that’s slightly crunchy on the edges pairs beautifully with soft, fruity jam centers.
Simple Yet Flavorful Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples ensures the cookies shine without complicated steps.
Chilling the Dough: This step helps solidify flavors and makes shaping the perfect thumbprint easy without sticky messes.
Versatile Jam Technique: Melting the jam before spooning creates a gorgeous glossy finish and keeps stacking cookies neat.

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Raspberry jam cookies, buttery thumbprint cookies, fruit-filled cookie recipes, easy holiday cookies - The image shows round cookies with a thumbprint center filled with dark red jam, placed on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a pale yellow dough base with a smooth texture. White icing is being drizzled in thin stripes over the cookies by a metal whisk held by a woman's hand from the right side of the image. The jam in the cookie centers has a glossy surface, creating a shiny contrast with the soft, matte cookie dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe comes from simple ingredients that complement each other—rich butter brings tenderness, sugar adds sweetness and texture, and the raspberry jam brightens up every bite. Using softened butter and chilling your dough makes handling much easier, so don’t skip those steps.

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Raspberry jam cookies, buttery thumbprint cookies, fruit-filled cookie recipes, easy holiday cookies - Flat lay of a small square of pale yellow softened butter, a small heap of white granulated sugar, a single whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a neat mound of fine white flour, a small white bowl of white baking powder, a small pinch of fine white salt, a small white bowl filled with glossy seedless raspberry jam, a small white bowl with fine white confectioners’ sugar, a small white bowl with slightly translucent water, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using softened butter ensures your dough is creamy and blends perfectly without melting too fast in your hands.
Sugar: Splitting sugar between dough and coating adds just the right crunch and sweetness without overwhelming the jam.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, balancing the tartness of the raspberry jam.
Flour: The foundation of the cookie; use all-purpose for that traditional texture.
Baking Powder: Gives a light rise without turning your cookie cakey.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and cuts the sweetness.
Seedless Raspberry Jam: The star of the show, providing tangy sweetness and that classic look.
Confectioners’ Sugar (for icing): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze that adds another layer of delightful flavor.
Water & Vanilla (for icing): Helps thin the icing to the right consistency and adds extra aroma.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you prefer a different jam flavor or want to make them gluten-free, the base dough is wonderfully adaptable. I’ve tried a few variations over time, and each brings its own charm!

Jam Variations: I’ve swapped raspberry for strawberry, apricot, or even blackberry jam, and each cookie still shines—pick your favorite or use what you have on hand.
Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free flour blend works beautifully; just be sure to chill the dough longer if it feels too soft.
Less Sweet Version: You can reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a more tart cookie—perfect for those who like their jam to stand out.
Jam Inside or After Baking: I usually spoon melted jam after baking for the sheen and easier stacking, but you can press jam before baking if you like a more set filling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Having these dry ingredients combined ahead will help you gradually incorporate them into the butter mixture without overmixing.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a large bowl, cream softened butter with half of the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. I use my stand mixer on medium speed to get a fluffy, smooth mixture—about 2 to 3 minutes should do it. This step is key for that tender crumb and buttery flavor.

Step 3: Add Egg and Dry Ingredients

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then slowly add your flour mixture, mixing gently to combine. Don’t overwork the dough here; you want it just blended for the perfect texture.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Here’s a step I can’t recommend enough—chill your dough for exactly one hour. I’ve found it helps the cookie maintain shape when baking and makes the dough way easier to handle without sticking to your fingers.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Toss each round in the remaining sugar for a sparkly, crunchy coating—this little touch gives them great texture.

Step 6: Make the Thumbprint and Bake

Using your thumb, the back of a teaspoon, or even a wooden spoon handle, press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball. Pop them into the oven for about 13 to 16 minutes, until the edges are just starting to brown. Watch carefully, as timing may vary by oven.

Step 7: Add Jam and Cool

While warm, melt the raspberry jam in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then spoon it generously into each cookie’s thumbprint. This step elevates the look and taste, creating a shiny, inviting center. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Drizzle the Icing

Mix confectioners’ sugar with vanilla and water until you get a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for a pretty, sweet finishing touch. Keep in mind the icing will tint slightly pink over time from the jam—that’s just part of its charm!

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Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Chill That Dough: I never skip chilling; it makes rolling a breeze and prevents cookies from spreading too thin in the oven.
Use Softened, Not Melted Butter: Softer butter creams better but melts slower, making dough easier to handle.
Don’t Overfill the Thumbprint: Too much jam can overflow—fill just enough for a neat little pool in the center.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Edges should be lightly golden; baking even a minute too long can dry these delicate cookies out.

How to Serve Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a light dusting of extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Sometimes I sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or a tiny fresh raspberry on top of each cookie to amp up the presentation—especially if I’m serving at a party or during the holidays.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cookies with a warm cup of tea or fresh brewed coffee. For brunches or afternoon snacks, they’re fantastic alongside fresh fruit or a soft cheese plate like Brie or cream cheese spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these thumbprint cookies on a tiered dessert tray with ribbons or fresh flowers tucked around. They also look fabulous wrapped in cellophane tied with twine as homemade gifts for neighbors or friends—they always get rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. They last beautifully at room temperature for about 4-5 days, and the jam stays juicy without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the cookie dough balls before baking. Simply roll, sugar-coat, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies, but avoid icing first—add that after thawing for best results.

Reheating

Leftover cookies warm up beautifully in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain a just-baked texture. I find microwaving softens the jam too much, so the oven is my preferred method to keep that slightly crunchy edge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam for this Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic and delicious, you can substitute with strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or any seedless jam you prefer. Just make sure the jam isn’t too runny, so it stays nicely in the thumbprint indentation.
How long do Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing the dough or baked cookies is a great option.
Should I add the jam before or after baking?

Both work, but I prefer adding melted jam after baking—it provides a glossy finish and makes stacking cookies easier. Adding jam before baking gives a more cooked-down filling, but it can be a little less vibrant in color.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. You might want to chill the dough a bit longer since gluten-free doughs tend to be softer.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is essential. Also, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing after adding flour. These steps help cookies hold their shape during baking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe holds a special spot in my heart—not just because they’re delicious, but because they bring everyone together. My kids’ enthusiastic ratings always make me smile, and I love how easy it is to whip them up for every occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple, satisfying treat, give this recipe a try. I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too. Happy baking!