Homemade Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe That Melts Hearts

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I bake these delightful jam drops that connect childhood nostalgia with delicious simplicity.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this classic cookie design.

Soft butter cookies with bright fruit centers create a magical treat everyone adores.

Small indentations filled with vibrant jam make these cookies look incredibly charming.

Each bite carries warmth and comfort from a treasured family recipe.

Mixing ingredients takes just minutes, promising delectable results that spark joy.

Jam Drops Thumbprint Cookies That Bring Nostalgia

• Quick Family Treat: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these jam drops perfect for family baking sessions, creating delightful memories together.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Minimal technical skills required, with basic mixing and shaping techniques that even novice bakers can master confidently.
• Versatile Jam Selection: Customize these cookies by using different jam flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot to match personal preferences or seasonal availability.
• Low-Effort Crowd Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and short preparation time ensure these cookies are great for spontaneous gatherings, afternoon tea, or school bake sales.

Ingredients for Classic Jam Drops Cookies

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
• Flour: The main structural ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shortbread-like consistency.

• Vanilla, Egg, Salt: These ingredients enhance the overall flavor and help create a balanced taste profile.

• Jam: A sweet, fruity filling that adds color and delicious burst of flavor to the center of each cookie.

Stepwise Instructions for Jam Drops Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 180C/350F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your soon-to-be-delicious cookies.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab your electric mixer and transform butter and sugar into a creamy, dreamy mixture. Beat them together until they become light and fluffy, creating the perfect cookie base.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Introduce vanilla, egg, and salt to your butter mixture. Give everything a quick beat until all ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

Gently fold in flour, mixing until the dough becomes slightly crumbly. Don’t overmix – you want a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Bases

Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Flatten each ball into a disc and create a gentle thumbprint in the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Fill with Fruity Goodness

Nestle a small dollop of jam into each cookie’s center. Choose your favorite flavor – strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work wonderfully.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Trays

Place cookies on prepared trays, leaving some breathing room between each one. They’ll need space to spread their delicious wings.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide trays into the oven and bake for 14 minutes. Rotate the trays halfway through to ensure even, golden-brown edges.

Your kitchen will smell like a bakery paradise.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the tray until completely cool.

The jam will set, creating a beautiful, glossy center. Grab a cookie, take a bite, and savor the homemade goodness!

Tips to Perfect Your Thumbprint Cookies

• Select thick, high-quality jam like strawberry or raspberry that won't run during baking.
• Gently press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create uniform indentations without cracking the dough.
• Roll each cookie ball to the same size for even baking and professional-looking results.
• Refrigerate dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure.
• Let cookies cool entirely on the baking tray to help them set and prevent crumbling when transferring.

Variations to Personalize Jam Drops

• Chocolate Center Jam Drops: Replace jam with melted chocolate or chocolate ganache for a rich, decadent variation.
• Nutty Jam Drops: Mix chopped almonds or pistachios into the dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Citrus Zest Version: Add lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a bright, tangy undertone that complements the sweet jam.
• Coconut Jam Drops: Roll the cookie balls in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical-inspired texture and taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Cookie Time

• Brew Rich Coffee: Select a medium roast with nutty undertones that softens the cookie's sweetness and enhances the jam's fruity notes.
• Match with Black Tea: Choose Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea to provide a robust backdrop that highlights the delicate buttery cookie texture.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Custard: Create a creamy companion that adds smooth, elegant contrast to the jam's bright, tangy character.
• Enjoy with Sparkling Moscato: Select a light, sweet white wine with gentle bubbles that dance alongside the cookie's delicate crumb and fruity jam center.

Proper Storage for Jam Drops Cookies

Store jam drops in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring cookies remain fresh and crisp.

Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without jam filling. Add jam after thawing to maintain texture.

Place cooled cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid. Keep at room temperature for 3-4 days away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 150C for 3-4 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving to restore original crisp texture.

FAQs

• What type of jam works best for Jam Drops?

Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jams are ideal. Choose seedless jams for a smoother texture and more even filling.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature before shaping.

• How do I prevent the jam from spreading too much during baking?

Make a deeper thumb indent and use a small spoon to carefully add a small amount of jam. Don’t overfill the center.

• Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?

These Jam Drops are nut-free, making them a safe option for those with nut allergies. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure complete safety.

Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies) Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet and buttery jam drops nestle delightfully in this classic Australian cookie that melts in your mouth. Crumbly shortbread meets fruity jam centers, creating a delectable treat perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 225 grams (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, at room temperature (50–55 grams/2 ounces)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
• 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or any flavor), mixed well to loosen

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced) and prepare two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, achieving a smooth, pale consistency.
3. Incorporate vanilla, egg, and salt into the butter mixture, mixing until thoroughly blended.
4. Gently fold in flour, mixing until the dough forms a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
5. Craft uniform dough balls approximately 3cm in diameter, delicately flattening each into a disc shape.
6. Create a gentle thumb impression in the center of each cookie, forming a small well for jam.
7. Generously fill each indentation with a slightly heaped portion of jam, ensuring even distribution.
8. Arrange cookies on prepared trays, spacing them to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
9. Bake for 14 minutes, rotating trays halfway through to guarantee consistent golden-brown edges and pale golden surface.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking tray, enabling them to firm up and develop a delicate, crisp texture.

Notes

• Customize jam flavors by mixing different varieties for unique taste combinations.
• Chill dough for 15 minutes before shaping to prevent sticky handling and maintain cookie shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent texture.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 41 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg