Soft, melt in your mouth biscuits with a dollop of jam in the middle. These Jam Thumbprint Cookies are perfect with a cup of tea.
What are Thumbprint Cookies?
Thumbprint cookies I believe are based on a Swedish biscuit that’s name translated to ‘raspberry caves’. Thumbprint Cookies was the name adopted by America and it is the most widely used name for them.
If you’re from the UK, don’t be confused. Although they are referred to as cookies, we would know them as a soft biscuit.
What is so great about these Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
These cookies are so simple to make. They only use ingredients that most people tend to have in their kitchens already. You also don’t need any fancy equipment to make them.
A big bowl and you’re good to go! This makes them perfect for children to help out with.
Jam Thumbprint Cookie baking tips
Although these cookies are simple to make, there are a few tips that will them even easier to make.
After you have added the egg, if the dough looks a little sticky you can add a sprinkle more flour. I think this is the easiest method to get the right consistency.
You will know if it is a bit too sticky because it will stick to the tablespoon measure when you try to scoop it out.
I think this is the perfect size to make the cookies. Any bigger and they would be a bit too big!
When it comes to making the indentations for the jam, there are a number of ways you can do this. As the name of these cookies suggests, the indentation is meant to look like it has been done with your thumb.
You obviously can do this but it is not my preferred method! I like to use a teaspoon measure which I lightly flour and press into each cookie. I think this is the perfect size. Press about half way into the cookie, you don’t want the indentation to go all the way to the baking tray!
When adding the jam, try not to get too carried away and add too much. If you do it could run out over the biscuits. This doesn’t affect the taste at all, but it will make them look a little less perfect.
Which jam is best to use?
Traditionally the jam to use for these Jam Thumbprint Cookies is raspberry. However you can use whatever jam is your favourite. I have used raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant and blueberry before and all are delicious.
You also don’t have to use the same flavour of jam for the whole batch of cookies. Why not use a few different flavours and make a selection. If you prefer lemon curd, try my Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies.
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Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Soft, melt in your mouth biscuits with a dollop of jam in the middle. These Jam Thumbprint Cookies are perfect with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 200 g self raising flour
- 100 g caster sugar
- 100 g margarine
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 70 g jam
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 160ºC (fan assisted, 180°C non fan) Line 2 baking trays and set aside
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Rub the flour, sugar and margarine together until you have a breadcrumb texture
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to form a stiff dough
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Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out balls of dough. Roll them between your palms to get a round balls. Place them on the baking trays leaving enough space for them to spread when they bake
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Make a small indentation in the middle of each biscuit
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Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until they are just golden brown
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Cool on a wire rack
Recipe Notes
Keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Nutritional information is given as a guide only and my vary.
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder says
You just got to love these jammy thumbprint cookies. Quick and easy to make and a perfect size too! Yum!
Curly says
Thanks Jo 🙂
Jenny Walters says
I tried to make some once and they splatted completely! Will have to try again with this recipe. They look absolutely delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with #CookBlogShare
Curly says
Oh no! I bet they still tasted delicious though! Thanks Jenny 🙂
Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist says
Jam Thumbprint cookies always look so cute and inviting. I think every blog needs a recipe for them! I made some lovely ones gluten free… It was one of those accidental recipes for the biscuit dough which came out unexpectedly perfect…. You are definitely tempting me to make them again xx
Curly says
They’re so simple and easy to make but tasty. My nephew loved these. Haha that sounds like the perfect accident! xx
Michelle Rolfe says
I always love a jam biscuit! Bite sized that makes me eat far too many! Thanks for linking up to #CookBlogShare. Michelle
Curly says
Thanks Michelle 🙂
Veronica says
These look delicious – and so easy to make too – deinitely my kind of recipe.
Curly says
So, so easy 🙂