Easy 5-Ingredient Thumbprint Cookies – A Sweet and Simple Treat
These easy 5-ingredient thumbprint cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, crumbly goodness with a burst of sweet and fruity jam. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these homemade cookies make a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you prefer classic raspberry jam, tangy apricot, or rich fig preserves, these cookies are endlessly customizable.
A favorite among beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, these thumbprint cookies require no special equipment and come together in under 30 minutes. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and tender crumb, paired with the vibrant flavors of jam, make them a truly delightful indulgence. Plus, they are perfect for bake sales, tea time, or as a thoughtful homemade gift!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Buttery and lightly sweet with a luscious fruit filling.
- Texture: Soft, tender, and slightly crumbly with a chewy jam center.
- Aroma: Rich notes of butter with a warm, fruity sweetness.
- Visual Appeal: Golden cookies with jewel-like jam centers.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly, no complicated techniques required.
- Special Equipment: No stand mixer needed—just a mixing bowl and spoon!
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy. A simple mix, roll, and press technique makes this a great beginner recipe.
- Category: Dessert, Snack.
- Cuisine: Traditional European with widespread global popularity.
- Cost: Affordable—most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
- Season: Great for all seasons but popular during holiday baking.
- Occasion: Perfect for parties, bake sales, and casual tea-time treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These thumbprint cookies have a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making them a universally loved treat. The buttery base pairs beautifully with the vibrant jam, offering a satisfying contrast in every bite.
They are quick and effortless to prepare, requiring just five common ingredients. Perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings, these cookies come together in no time.
Even better, they are naturally egg-free and can be customized for dietary preferences. Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or swap in a sugar-free jam for a lower-sugar alternative.
These cookies are great for gifting, as they hold up well in transit and can be beautifully packaged. They also store well for several days, making them a practical, make-ahead dessert option.
Cost-wise, these cookies are inexpensive to make, using pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar. This makes them an accessible treat for any budget.
The Recipe
5-Ingredient Thumbprint Cookies
Serves: 12 cookies
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Teaspoon or thumb (for indentations)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup fruit jam (your favorite flavor)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth, pliable consistency.
- Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Press a small indentation into the center of each ball with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a crunchier texture, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped nuts to the dough.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to help retain the cookie shape.
- Try different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for variety.
