Jam filled butter cookies are a beloved type of cookie known for their rich buttery dough and a sweet burst of fruit jam in the center. These cookies are sometimes called thumbprint cookies, because you press a small well into the dough with your thumb before adding the jam. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons with tea, or a fun baking project with family and friends.
These cookies have a long tradition in many places around the world. In Sweden, for example, a similar version of jam cookies is called Hallongrotta, meaning “raspberry cave,” because of the small jam-filled indentation in the center.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
Here’s the classic ingredient list for the traditional Allrecipes jam filled butter cookies:
Basic Ingredients
- ¾ cup (about 170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (about 100 g) white sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 ¾ cups (about 220 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fruit preserves or jam (any flavor you like, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
These simple ingredients come together to make a cookie that is tender, buttery, and just sweet enough, with a fruity note from the jam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make jam filled butter cookies from scratch:
1. Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and pale. Then add the egg yolks and beat again until fully combined.
3. Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently until a soft cookie dough forms. Don’t overmix — the dough should be just combined and soft, not sticky.
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll small portions of dough into balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Make the Jam Well
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a small indentation into the center of each ball. This creates the space for the jam filling.
6. Fill With Jam
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation. You can use one flavor throughout or mix and match different fruit jams for variety.
7. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft in the center. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Why These Cookies Are So Good
Jam filled butter cookies have a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery dough is soft and tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth, while the jam adds a sweet and sometimes slightly tart burst of fruitiness. This contrast makes the cookies enjoyable to eat with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Because the recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and simple techniques, it’s great for beginner bakers. You can also get creative with different jams — raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even combinations — to make a variety of flavors.
Tips for Best Results
- If your dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to roll.
- Choose a thicker jam or preserves so the filling stays in place while baking.
- For an extra festive touch, you can dust the baked cookies with a little powdered sugar after cooling.
Serving and Storage
Jam filled butter cookies are best served after they’ve cooled to room temperature. If kept in an airtight container, they stay fresh for several days at room temperature. Their simple ingredients and classic taste make them a beloved choice for celebrations, gift boxes, or everyday treats with friends and family.