Strawberry Jam Cookies (Thumbprints) are a staple treat that we make ever holiday season.They are a true star because the combination of the amazing sweet jam and the crispy cookie.
These old fashioned strawberry jam thumbprint cookies are a classic shortbread cookie with the addition of delectable jam. These cookies are known by many different names in many different countries because they are loved by all. See if your nationality has a version here.
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What We Love About This Jam Cookies Recipe
These cookies start with a base cookie dough that can be turned into several types of cookies including Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies (Lofthouse Cookies), Sprinkle Cookies and Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookies. That way you can make one cookie dough and make a platter of different delectable cookies.
- Easy Dough: This dough is easy to make and only take a few ingredients.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry.
- Family Friendly: Great for kids to help with and everyone loves to work.
- Adaptable: Can make with low calorie jams and many different fillings.
Ingredient Notes
- Flour: Use a regular all purpose flour and take an extra second to shift it.
- Butter: Use a salted or unsalted butter in this recipe. Room temperature.
- Shortening: A vegetable shortening helps the cookie keep its shape.
- Eggs: Large Eggs at room temperature.
- Box Instant Vanilla Pudding Again it helps produce a cookie with a tender texture and also enhances the flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Strawberry Jam : You can use a low calorie strawberry preserves or alternate different flavors.
How to Make Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
These are the basic steps for making jam cookies. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.
STEP 1: PREP
First, preheat oven to 350 line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then cream together butter, shortening, and sugar with an electric mixer then add in eggs, vanilla, and instant pudding mix.
STEP 2: DRY INGREDIENTS
Then in a separate bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt and next add the flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time mixing between additions until all the flour is incorporated.
STEP 3: SCOOP
Next, scoop out dough by the tablespoonful and shape into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking trays about 2 inches apart, using your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon press into the center of each ball to create an indentation. Spoon jam into the center of each cookie.
STEP 4: BAKE AND COOL
When ready, bake for 12-15 minutes. Finally, remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a cooling wire rack to cool completely.
Prep and Storage Tips
HOW TO MAKE THIS OLD FASHIONED THUMBPRINT COOKIES RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
Indeed this recipe can made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a day or two in an airtight container or the batter can be stored for up to six months in the freezer.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Store in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. Place cookies between layers of parchment or wax paper to protect cookies.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
The Christmas cookie thumbprints can be frozen in an airtight container in the freezer for several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a handy guide to help you host an exchange.
Of course, try adding a little lemon zest or orange zest to the cookie batter.
Yes, but the dough is so versatile, make a full batch or double or even triple to make all the different versions of these perfect sweet treat.
There are many ways, they are detailed Cookie Baking 101.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- Different Jam: Make one batch of dough and use several different jams. For example: apricot, raspberry, blueberry or cherry. Check out your local farmers market if you want homemade.
- Glaze: Make a glaze to drizzle over the top of the cookies.
- Nuts: Slivered almonds, pistachios or other nuts are great on top to add a crunch.
- Decorate: These cookies stand on their own very well, however, feel free to dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate. Make them pinterest or facebook worthy.
What to Serve with Strawberry Jam Cookies (Thumbprints)
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Strawberry Jam Cookies (Thumbprints)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ Cups Butter , softened
- ¼ Cup Shortening
- 1 ½ Cups Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ Cups Flour
- 3.4 ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding, Box
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Strawberry Jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, shortening, and sugar with an electric mixer.
- Add in eggs, vanilla, and instant pudding mix. Continue mixing until thoroughly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time mixing between additions until all the flour is incorporated.
- Scoop out dough by the tablespoonful and shape into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart, using your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon press into the center of each ball to create an indentation. Spoon jam into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set and lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips
- Different Jam: Make one batch of dough and use several different jams. For example: apricot, raspberry, blueberry or cherry. Check out your local farmers market if you want homemade.
- Glaze: Make a glaze to drizzle over the top of the cookies.
- Nuts: Slivered almonds, pistachios or other nuts are great on top to add a crunch.
- Decorate: These cookies stand on their own very well, however, feel free to dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate. Make them pinterest or facebook worthy.
