Valentine’s Day Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Sweet, buttery, and filled with fruity jam, these Valentine’s Day Thumbprint Cookies with Jam are the perfect treat for sharing the love. With soft centers, crisp edges, and a drizzle of creamy white chocolate, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Simple ingredients and a whole lot of heart make this Valentine’s cookie recipe one you’ll want to make year after year.

This classic thumbprint cookie recipe uses just the right amount of butter, while still delivering that rich, buttery flavor! They’re shaped into sweet little hearts, baked with love, and perfect for Valentine’s Day!

The first time I had a thumbprint cookie, I was in elementary school and my mom had this little cookbook for kids. That was so cute with these darling little graphics of kids cooking almost precious moments style. Remember those little kids that were so popular? The only problem was the recipe turned out dry and boring.

I’ve been hesitant to share a thumbprint cookie ever since, but this one is absolute perfection and it’s almost like a cross between a sugar cookie and a melt in your mouth butter cookie. I prefer to use a seedless jam, but do whatever you’ve got on hand. My extra touch? A little drizzle of white chocolate and making the indents into the shape of a heart really takes these to the next level for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients For Valentine’s Day Thumbprint Cookies

You don’t need anything fancy to make these Valentine’s thumbprint cookies! Just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create the perfect treat.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender cookie base.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies spread.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a soft texture.
• Egg Yolk: Binds the dough and keeps it chewy.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Almond Extract: Adds a light, nutty warmth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Flour: Gives the cookies structure.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft and thick.
• Seedless Jam: For the jam filling for each thumbprint. Strawberry, raspberry, and cherry work best for Valentine’s Day.
• White Baking Bark/White Chocolate Chips: Adds a sweet, creamy finish.

I love making these cookies while my kids are at school, so when they come home, a sweet Valentine’s treat is waiting for them.

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies are a fun take on a classic, and they’re easy enough for kids to help make. Here’s how to bake them step by step:

1. Prep Chocolate: Chop the white baking bark or white chocolate chips and set aside.
2. Cream Butter: Beat the butter until soft and fluffy.
3. Add Sugars: Mix in both sugars and the salt until smooth.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape Cookies: Roll dough into balls, place on a lined tray, and press a thumbprint in the center.
7. Chill Dough: Freeze cookies for 30 minutes so they hold their shape.
8. Fill & Bake: Warm the jam, fill each thumbprint, then bake at 375°F until edges are golden.
9. Cool: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Drizzle: Melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

These thumbprint cookies are easy to make ahead of time. You can prepare and shape the dough, then freeze it until you’re ready to bake. Just add the jam and bake straight from the freezer. You can also freeze fully baked cookies for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and add the white chocolate drizzle before serving for the best taste and texture.

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. 

Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, for an after-school treat, a romantic dessert, galentines, or a special holiday spread, these easy Valentine’s Thumbprint Cookies come together quickly and always impress.

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Watch How To Make These Cookies