Ina Garten’s Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe for Bakers

Ina Garten’s jam thumbprint cookies represent a classic sweet treat that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Delicate and buttery, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tender texture and fruity essence.

Baker enthusiasts adore the elegant simplicity behind this nostalgic dessert.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies irresistibly charming for gatherings or quiet afternoons.

Each bite delivers a warm, comforting experience that connects generations through shared culinary traditions.

Rich butter and fragrant vanilla create a sublime backdrop for vibrant jam centers that sparkle like edible jewels.

You’ll find these cookies invite playful creativity and warm kitchen memories:

Why Thumbprint Cookies Steal Hearts

• Enjoy Tropical Texture Twist: These thumbprint cookies get a delightful crunch from the coconut coating, transforming an ordinary cookie into a tropical-inspired treat that adds exciting texture and visual appeal.
• Customize Your Jam Adventure: The recipe allows endless flavor possibilities by letting you choose different jam varieties, making each batch unique and personal with your favorite fruit preserves.
• Quick and Simple Baking Delight: With just 30 minutes of chilling time and a straightforward mixing process, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious homemade dessert without complicated techniques.
• Sweet and Elegant Party Pleaser: The elegant appearance with golden coconut exterior and bright jam center makes these cookies ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or casual dessert moments that require something special yet effortless.

Ingredients in Ina’s Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that provides tender texture and delicate flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the overall cookie taste.

• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Egg Wash, Coconut: Creates a crunchy, golden exterior with tropical sweetness.
• Jam: Adds a burst of fruity flavor and creates a colorful center in each cookie.

How to Bake Thumbprint Cookies with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Gather all ingredients and equipment. Set oven rack in the middle position. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Soften Butter

Remove butter from refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until soft and spreadable.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Sift ingredients to remove any lumps.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Stop mixing when dough appears crumbly but holds together.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Transfer dough onto plastic wrap. Shape into flat disk. Wrap completely. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Balls

Remove chilled dough. Roll into 1-inch round balls using hands or small cookie scoop.

Step 8: Prepare Coating

Whisk egg in shallow bowl. Place shredded coconut in separate bowl.

Step 9: Coat Cookies

Dip each dough ball into egg wash, then roll in coconut. Place on prepared baking sheet.

Step 10: Create Jam Indentations

Gently press thumb or back of spoon into center of each cookie to create small well.

Step 11: Fill With Jam

Carefully spoon preferred jam into cookie centers. Choose raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Place baking sheet in preheated oven at 350°F. Bake 18-22 minutes until coconut turns golden brown.

Step 13: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack. Cool completely before serving.

Tips for Jam Center Perfection

• Scoop Flour Precisely: Gently spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a straight edge to prevent dense, heavy cookies that lack delicate texture.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter, making rolling easier and helping cookies maintain their beautiful shape during baking.
• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes until soft but not melted, creating a smooth, creamy base that helps cookies blend beautifully.
• Handle Thumbprints Carefully: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create gentle indentations, applying light pressure to avoid cracking the delicate cookie dough.
• Monitor Baking Closely: Watch cookies during the final minutes of baking, looking for a light golden edge that signals perfect doneness without burning the delicate cookie base.

Keeping Thumbprint Cookies Fresh

• Preserving Freshness: Seal completely cooled cookies in an airtight glass container lined with parchment paper, ensuring zero moisture penetration. These delicate treats maintain maximum crunch and flavor when stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Freezing Strategy: Arrange cookies in a single, non-touching layer between wax paper sheets inside a sturdy freezer-safe container. Label with date and contents, keeping them perfectly preserved for surprise midnight snacking up to 90 days. Gently thaw at room temperature for best texture restoration.
• Long-Term Storage: Choose ceramic or metal containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent cookie staleness. Stack carefully to prevent crumbling, placing softer jam centers facing upward. Rotate stored batches every few weeks to ensure even preservation and consistent quality.

Jam Swaps for Thumbprint Variety

• Nutty Delight: Replace coconut with finely chopped almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture and rich, roasted flavor.
• Berry Burst: Swap traditional jam with different berry preserves like raspberry, blackberry, or mixed berry for a vibrant fruity experience.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, melt dark or white chocolate and lightly drizzle over cookies for an elegant, indulgent finish.
• Spiced Sensation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the sweet jam center.

Sweet Ending to Thumbprint Goodness

Warm memories of family gatherings dance through these delightful jam thumbprint cookies, reminiscent of Ina Garten’s classic recipe.

Sweet coconut-coated exteriors cradle luscious jam centers, creating perfect bites of comfort and nostalgia.

Homemade goodness radiates from each carefully crafted cookie, promising moments of pure culinary joy.

Sophisticated yet simple, these treats connect generations through shared kitchen traditions.

Classic flavors merge with elegant presentation, making these cookies an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Share this delectable recipe with friends, spread the love on social media, and let fellow bakers savor the delightful experience waiting in their own kitchens.

Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s jam thumbprint cookies offer classic comfort with elegant simplicity. Buttery shortbread nestles delicate fruit preserves, creating perfect sweet morsels you’ll savor with each delightful, crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 7 ounces (198 grams) sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Butter and Fat:

• ¾ pound (340 grams or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Finishing and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
• ½ cup raspberry and/or apricot jam

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, blend unsalted butter and granulated sugar until they form a smooth, pale mixture. Incorporate pure vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, carefully sift all-purpose flour and fine salt together, eliminating any potential lumps.
4. Gradually introduce the flour mixture into the butter combination, using low mixer speed to create a cohesive dough that just begins to hold together.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape into a flat, uniform disk approximately 1/2 inch thick. Wrap securely in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Remove chilled dough and portion into uniform balls weighing approximately or measuring 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
7. Prepare a shallow bowl with beaten egg wash. Roll each dough ball first in egg wash, then completely coat with shredded coconut.
8. Arrange coconut-covered balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving slight space between each cookie.
9. Using a clean fingertip, create a gentle depression in the center of each coconut-coated ball.
10. Carefully drop approximately of fruit jam into each indentation.
11. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until coconut turns a rich golden brown color.
12. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
13. Let cookies cool completely before serving, allowing jam to set and flavors to develop.

Notes

• Precision matters when measuring flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife, preventing dense and heavy cookies.
• Refrigerating dough for a minimum of 30 minutes transforms your baking experience, making the dough more manageable and helping cookies maintain their delightful shape.
• Butter straight from the countertop creates magic when creamed with sugar, producing a silky smooth mixture that guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• Gentle fingertip pressure works wonders when creating jam indentations, protecting the cookie’s delicate structure and preventing unwelcome cracks.
• Vigilant baking requires watching cookies closely during the final minutes, aiming for a golden-brown finish that signals perfect doneness without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg