Save to Pinterest Classic buttery thumbprint cookies flavored with almond and filled with budget-friendly cherry jam for a delightful, festive treat.
Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are always a favorite at our house. The sweet cherry jam paired with a tender, almond-scented cookie brings back memories of holiday baking sessions with my family.
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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, for thinning thick jam
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (25 g), optional for garnish
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Instructions
- Prep & Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add the flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Dough Balls:
- Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create Centers:
- Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each ball to create a well.
- Prepare & Fill Jam:
- If jam is thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around the edges of the cookies, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest One year, my kids helped shape the dough and fill the centers with jam—by the end, we had sticky fingers and lots of laughter in the kitchen.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, and cooling rack are needed for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and tree nuts (almond extract and sliced almonds). Always double-check jam and almond extract for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie has about 105 calories, 6 g total fat, 12 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Save to Pinterest 
Bring a batch to your next gathering—the sweet jam and toasted almonds will win everyone over. Enjoy with a cup of tea or milk for an extra special treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I soften butter properly?
Leave butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it feels soft but not melted, ensuring easy mixing and fluffy texture.
- → Can I use other jams instead of cherry?
Yes, apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jams work beautifully as alternatives to enhance the filling flavor.
- → What is the purpose of almond extract in the dough?
Almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the cherry filling and enriches the dough flavor.
- → How do I prevent jam from being too thick for filling?
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen thick jam, making it easier to fill the thumbprint indentations.
- → Can I omit the sliced almonds garnish?
Yes, the garnish is optional and can be left out for a nut-free presentation without affecting texture.
