Fabulous Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe by Ina Garten

Soft, buttery cookies with a delightful jam thumbprint center have been a bakery staple for generations.

These classic jam thumbprint cookies by Ina Garten blend rich shortbread-like dough with vibrant fruit preserves in a simple yet elegant treat.

The recipe promises a delectable balance of sweet and tangy flavors that melt in your mouth.

Each golden-edged cookie carries a perfect dimple of jam, creating a stunning visual and taste experience.

Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, these cookies make an irresistible afternoon snack or elegant dessert.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with just a few basic ingredients.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 24

What Goes Into Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for tender cookies, choose high-quality European-style butter for superior flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create delicate cookie texture, opt for fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth, select pure vanilla for most authentic taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie's structure and crumb, use fresh flour for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Egg Wash: Helps coconut adhere and creates golden sheen, use fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Provides crispy exterior and tropical accent, select finely shredded variety for even coating.
• Jam: Delivers burst of fruity sweetness, choose high-quality preserves with robust fruit flavor for best results.

Baking Tools for Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly and combining ingredients efficiently.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for separating dry and wet ingredients, preparing the dough.
• Sifter: Critical for evenly distributing flour and salt without lumps.
• Floured Board or Countertop: Perfect surface for rolling out and shaping cookie dough.
• Baking Sheet: Ungreased cookie sheet for baking the thumbprint cookies.
• Wire Rack: Important for cooling cookies after baking, allowing air circulation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for chilling and storing the dough.
• Small Spoon: Helpful for dropping jam into cookie indentations.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Cozy Kitchen Prep

Get ready for a delightful baking adventure by warming up your kitchen and gathering all your baking tools. Make sure your work surface is clean and you’re feeling relaxed and ready to create something delicious.

• Butter Bliss

Grab your mixer and create a soft, dreamy mixture of butter and sugar. Let the ingredients dance together until they’re perfectly combined, then add a splash of vanilla for that irresistible aroma.

• Flour Magic

In a separate bowl, gently combine your flour with a pinch of salt. This is where the cookie’s foundation begins to take shape.

• Dough Creation

Slowly blend your flour mixture into the buttery base. Watch as the dough starts to come together, forming a beautiful, soft texture that promises mouthwatering cookies.

• Chilling Time

Transform your dough into a smooth disk and let it rest in the refrigerator. This little break helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll the chilled dough into adorable little balls. Each one should be a perfect bite-sized treasure waiting to be transformed.

• Coconut Coating

Give each cookie ball a luxurious bath in egg wash, then roll it in fluffy coconut for a delightful tropical twist.

• Jam Surprise

Gently press a small dimple into each cookie and fill it with a vibrant dollop of your favorite jam. This is where the magic happens!

• Oven Transformation

Slide your cookie tray into the oven and watch the magic unfold. The coconut will turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Sweet Finale

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack, then enjoy your homemade treasure with a cup of tea or share with loved ones.

Tips for Better Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Experiment with different preserves like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry to create unique taste combinations that surprise your family and friends.
• Try toasted or shredded coconut for varied textures, or replace coconut with finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking, or freeze unbaked cookies for up to 2 months for quick, fresh treats anytime.
• After cooling, add a light chocolate or vanilla glaze over the cookies to elevate their presentation and add an extra layer of sweetness.
• Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing, ensuring even baking and a professional-looking batch of thumbprint cookies that impress everyone.

Ways to Serve Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Serve with Sweet Companions: Pair these thumbprint cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a cold glass of milk for a delightful treat.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies alongside other bite-sized sweets like chocolate truffles or mini fruit tarts for an elegant display.
• Perfect Party Favor: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift at gatherings or holiday celebrations.
• Elevate Afternoon Snacking: Enjoy these coconut-coated jam cookies as a midday pick-me-up, letting the sweet jam and toasted coconut brighten your mood.

Store and Keep Ina Garten Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• Store Safely: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Later: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, layered between wax paper, and store for 2-3 months for quick dessert options.
• Refresh Texture: Warm slightly in the oven at 300 degrees F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
• Make Ahead Strategy: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance, storing wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator until ready to shape and bake.

Elegant Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s jam thumbprint cookies blend buttery shortbread with sweet raspberry preserves for an irresistible classic dessert. Delicate and elegant, these cookies offer a perfect balance of rich pastry and fruity filling that delights home bakers and guests alike.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ½ cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ¾ lb (340 g or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 7 oz (198 g) sweetened flaked coconut
• ½ cup raspberry and/or apricot jam
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack centered, ensuring even heat distribution for optimal cookie baking.
2. Creaming: Whip unsalted butter and granulated sugar using electric mixer until light and fluffy, then blend in pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift all-purpose flour and fine salt together, creating a smooth, lump-free foundation for the cookie dough.
4. Dough Formation: Incorporate flour mixture into butter blend at low speed, gently mixing until a cohesive dough emerges. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes to solidify texture.
5. Shaping: Roll chilled dough into uniform balls, then dip each in beaten egg wash and completely coat with shredded coconut for a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Thumbprint Creation: Arrange coconut-covered balls on ungreased baking sheet, gently pressing a small indentation into the center of each cookie using fingertip.
7. Jam Filling: Carefully drop fruit jam into the created wells, ensuring even distribution and avoiding overflow.
8. Baking: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until coconut turns a rich golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
9. Cooling: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely, enabling jam to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookie’s structured shape during baking.
• Handle Egg Wash Carefully: Ensure even coconut coating by gently rolling each dough ball in egg wash, preventing clumping and ensuring uniform coverage.
• Create Perfect Thumbprint: Use the tip of your finger or the back of a small measuring spoon to make a consistent, gentle indentation without breaking the dough.
• Jam Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, thick preserves that won’t run during baking, such as raspberry or apricot, to maintain the cookie’s elegant appearance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg