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.
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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
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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.
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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.
