DESSERTS

Delicious Cherry Thumbprint Cookies for Every Occasion

by basmer

3 de February de 2026

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Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful, bite-sized dessert that combines a buttery, soft cookie base with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make, visually appealing, and full of flavor. The combination of rich butter and sweet cherry jam creates a blissful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

There are countless reasons to fall in love with cherry cookies, and here are just a few. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for baking novices and seasoned chefs alike. Secondly, these thumbprint cookies are visually stunning, with their inviting cherry center peeking out. Additionally, they offer a delightful blend of textures: the soft, buttery cookie contrasts beautifully with the sticky cherry jam. You can also customize them with various fillings, such as chocolate or other fruit jams. These cookies are perfect for festive occasions, including cherry thumbprint cookies for Christmas, and they make great gifts too! Finally, they are vegetarian-friendly, fitting into various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Gather these items:

2 cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Butter (softened)
3/4 cup Sugar
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Cherry Jam or Preserves
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder

How to Make Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the mixture, then continue to beat until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl. Mix until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Using your thumb or a small spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 7: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cherry jam into the center of each thumbprint.
Step 8: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Feel free to use other fruit jams for variety, such as raspberry or apricot.
For a soft texture, avoid overbaking; check them at the lower end of the baking time.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a firmer cookie.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

These delicious cherry jam cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a lovely addition to dessert platters during parties or family gatherings. Consider presenting them alongside other festive treats, such as cherry-filled cookies and assorted holiday sweets.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Thumbprint Cookies?

The secret lies in the dough! Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t overmix after adding the flour. This will help create soft cherry thumbprint cookies that melt in your mouth.

Can I make Cherry Thumbprint Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. This makes it a fantastic easy cherry thumbprint recipe for busy schedules.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Thumbprint Cookies?

Common mistakes include overbaking and not making deep enough indentations for the jam. Be gentle and ensure your thumbprint is well-formed to hold the filling nicely.

Variations of Cherry Thumbprint Cookies You Can Try

If you’d like to experiment, here are some fun variations to consider:

Try using cherry almond thumbprint cookies by adding almond extract to the dough.
For a festive twist, use red and green jams for cherry thumbprint cookies for Christmas.
Make gluten-free cherry thumbprint cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Add a drizzle of icing for cherry thumbprint cookies with icing for a sweet finish.

For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies. If you’re interested in baking tips, visit Last Recipes for more insights.

Delicious Cherry Thumbprint Cookies for Every Occasion

Author: basmer
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry thumbprint cookies are a delightful, bite-sized dessert that combines a buttery, soft cookie base with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make, visually appealing, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Butter (softened)
3/4 cup Sugar
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Cherry Jam or Preserves
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the mixture, then continue to beat until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl. Mix until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Using your thumb or a small spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cherry jam into the center of each thumbprint.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.