Introduction

Jam Drops, also known as Thumbprint Cookies, are delightful buttery cookies with a sweet jam center. They are simple to make, perfect for gift-giving or sharing with family, and offer a lovely balance of crisp edges and tender crumb.

The image shows many round cookies with a golden-baked outer layer and a center filled with shiny, red jam that looks a bit chunky and glossy. They are placed closely together on a white marbled surface, with some cookie crumbs scattered around. A few cookies have a bite taken out, revealing a soft inner texture. Surrounding the cookies, there are pink and white flowers with green leaves, adding a fresh and colorful touch to the display. The cookies appear soft with smooth edges and a bright, inviting jam center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar, or regular/granulated sugar)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature (~50-55g/2oz)
2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or any other flavour, mixed well to loosen)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment until light and creamy, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract, the egg, and salt to the creamed mixture. Beat for about 20 seconds until combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour, mixing until no white flour remains. The dough will be crumbly at this point.
Step 5: Measure out 1 tablespoon of dough (tightly packed), then tap it out onto your hand. Press and scrunch the dough with your thumb to form a smooth ball about 3cm (1.2″) in diameter.
Step 6: Flatten each ball into a disc roughly 1.25cm (0.5″) thick. Use your thumb to press a shallow indent in the center of each disc, avoiding cracks.
Step 7: Place the cookies on the prepared trays, spacing them about 3.5cm (1.5″) apart. Fill each indent with a slightly heaped 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Step 8: Bake both trays simultaneously for 14 minutes until the edges turn light golden and the surface is pale golden. Rotate and switch trays at the 10-minute mark for even baking.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool fully on the tray so the bases finish cooking. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use a cookie scoop to keep the portions uniform, which helps all cookies bake evenly.
Try different jams like apricot, blueberry, or mixed berry for varied flavors.
If the dough cracks while making the indent, soften it slightly with your hands or chill briefly.
For a festive touch, sprinkle a little sanding sugar on top before baking.

Storage

Store Jam Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and serve. Reheating is not necessary but can refresh softness if desired.

How to Serve

A white tray lined with white parchment paper holds many jam thumbprint cookies, each with a golden brown base and a shiny red jam-filled center. The cookies are stacked in small piles and spread out, some partially eaten, showing a crumbly texture inside. Fresh pink and white flowers with green leaves are artfully placed among the cookies for decoration. In the background, a blurred dog looks at the tray, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jam for the filling?

Yes, store-bought jams work perfectly. Just stir them well before filling to loosen the consistency for easier spooning.

How can I prevent the cookies from cracking when making the indent?

Pressing the dough with a thumb rather than a finger helps avoid cracks. If cracks appear, slightly soften the dough with your hands or chill it briefly before shaping.