Save to Pinterest Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful, festive treat.
I first made these cherry almond thumbprint cookies for a holiday party, and they quickly became a family favorite for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet jam center. They’re perfect for gifting or sharing at get-togethers.
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, if jam is very thick
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g), optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prep baking sheets:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined.
- Add dry ingredients:
- Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shape dough:
- Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and arrange 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create wells:
- Gently press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball.
- Fill cookies:
- If the jam is thick, stir in 1–2 tbsp water. Spoon about 1/2 tsp cherry jam into each well.
- Add garnish:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool:
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest Baking these with my kids has become a sweet tradition—everyone loves shaping the cookies and filling them with jam together around the holidays.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling rack.
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (gluten), egg, milk, tree nuts (almond extract and sliced almonds). Always check your jam and almond extract for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories per cookie: 105. Total fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 12 g. Protein: 1 g.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these cherry almond thumbprint cookies at your next gathering, or package them up for a homemade treat. They stay fresh in an airtight container for up to five days.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute cherry jam with other flavors?
Yes, apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jams work well as tasty alternatives to cherry jam, providing different fruity notes.
- → How do I make a nut-free version?
Omit the almond extract and sliced almonds to create a nut-free version while maintaining a rich buttery texture.
- → What is the best way to soften cherry jam if it's too thick?
Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to loosen thick jam, making it easier to fill the cookie wells evenly.
- → How should I store these treats to keep freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain softness and flavor.
- → Can I add a glaze or icing to these cookies?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar and milk icing drizzle adds extra sweetness and a decorative touch if desired.