Name: Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookies: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup raspberry preserves; For Topping: 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies filled with sweet raspberry preserves and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. They’re perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just a special treat any time of the year.

These cookies are incredibly simple to make, with just a handful of pantry ingredients and easy steps. The rich, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the fruity, slightly tart raspberry filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, they look so elegant with their delicate dusting of powdered sugar, making them an impressive addition to any dessert table.

I first made these cookies for a family gathering, and they disappeared within minutes! Since then, they’ve become a staple in my holiday baking. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is practically foolproof and always gets rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these cookies beginner-friendly.
Beautiful Presentation: The jewel-like raspberry centers and powdered sugar finish make them look bakery-worthy.
Customizable: Swap the raspberry preserves for your favorite jam, like apricot or strawberry.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance or freeze the cookies for later.
Versatile: Perfect for gifting, dessert platters, or just enjoying with a cup of tea.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes per batch
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120 per cookie

Ingredients List

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup raspberry preserves

For Topping:

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
Press your thumb or a small spoon into the center of each ball to create a well.

Fill and Bake

Spoon ½ teaspoon of raspberry preserves into each indentation.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Dust

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.

How to Serve

Serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter with other holiday treats.
Pair with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
Package them in decorative tins or boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing Dough: Shape and freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are simple to make, a few common mistakes can prevent you from getting that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and beautifully filled center. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overmixing the Dough
When combining the flour with the butter and sugar mixture, be gentle. Overmixing will activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense, tough cookies instead of the soft, crumbly shortbread you want. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Skipping the Chilling Step
Chilling the dough is crucial. If you skip this step, the cookies will spread excessively in the oven, losing their shape and creating flat, unattractive cookies. Allow at least 30 minutes of chilling time to help the dough firm up.

Overfilling the Indentation
While it’s tempting to pack each cookie with jam, using more than 1 teaspoon per cookie can cause the jam to bubble over and make a sticky mess. Measure your jam carefully for best results.

Using Cold Butter
Using cold butter instead of softened butter will result in a dough that doesn’t mix properly. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the powdered sugar.

Skipping Parchment Paper
Baking directly on an unlined sheet can cause the cookies to stick, making it difficult to remove them without crumbling. Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for the best results.

Baking Too Long
These cookies should only be lightly golden at the edges when done. Overbaking will dry them out and ruin the delicate, buttery texture. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking.

Pro Tips

Want your Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies to turn out perfect every time? Here are some expert tips to make your baking experience smooth and successful:

Use High-Quality Preserves
The jam is the highlight of these cookies, so choose a high-quality raspberry preserve with minimal added sugar. This will provide a rich, fruity flavor that balances perfectly with the buttery shortbread.

Sift Your Flour
For a finer, lighter texture, sift the flour before mixing it into the dough. This step ensures even distribution and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Dust After Cooling
Wait until the cookies have cooled completely before dusting with powdered sugar. If you do this while the cookies are still warm, the sugar will melt and create a sticky glaze instead of a light, elegant dusting.

Experiment with Different Jams
While raspberry is a classic choice, feel free to switch things up. Strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or even fig preserves can offer delicious new flavor combinations. You can even try lemon curd for a bright, tangy twist.

Make-Ahead Option
The dough can be prepared and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly before filling with jam and baking as directed.

Gluten-Free Option
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s intended for baking to achieve the best texture.

Adding Almond Extract
For a unique flavor boost, try adding ¼ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. It pairs beautifully with raspberry and enhances the overall aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Let them thaw slightly before baking.

How Do I Store These Cookies?
Store your baked Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I Use Different Jams?
Absolutely! While raspberry preserves are classic, you can use strawberry, apricot, blackberry, or even lemon curd. Feel free to experiment with various flavors to find your favorite combination.

What Should I Do if the Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your cookies spread too much, the dough may not have been chilled long enough, or the butter may have been too soft. Make sure the dough is properly chilled before baking, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing.

How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to slightly adjust the amount used to get the right consistency.

Why Is My Jam Bubbling Over?
Overfilling the indentation with too much jam can cause it to bubble over during baking. Stick to about ½–1 teaspoon per cookie for the best results.

Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
Yes, but it’s best to reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe if you do. Unsalted butter allows for better control of the overall saltiness.

How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done Baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are just starting to turn golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

Can I Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chill the dough properly, and if baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through to ensure even baking.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Frozen Cookies?
Let the frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore freshness and crispness.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are the kind of simple, classic treat that never goes out of style. With their buttery, tender texture and sweet, fruity centers, they’re the perfect cookie for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies always deliver that comforting, homemade goodness.

The best part? They’re so easy to make and customize. You can switch up the flavors, make the dough ahead of time, and even freeze the cookies for later. Plus, their elegant appearance makes them look like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking! I can’t wait for you to try these Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies and fall in love with them just like I did. Give the recipe a shot, and don’t forget to share your delicious results. Snap a photo, leave a comment, and let me know how they turned out! Happy baking!