Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies | Swanky Recipes (2024)

Homemade strawberry shortbread thumbprint cookies are one of my favorite holiday cookies to bake for family and friends. It just so happens to be very popular this time of year as well. You’ll find these adorned strawberry jam cookies just about everywhere. They fill cookie trays and make an appearance at nearly every holiday dessert spread. If you grew up eating this traditional cookie and are here to find a recipe to make from scratch like your mom’s or grandma’s then you’ll like this recipe.

If you’re looking to entertain guests, family, special holiday events or gift cookies, everyone will love shortbread cookies filled with jam. Shortbread cookie dough is a lot of fun to work with. This dough can be make for these cookies are it can be rolled out and made into cookie cutter shapes for the holidays. Fill the thumbprint centers with your favorite sweet jam, chocolate or caramel sauce.

What are Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies?

These American-style cookies are a blend of buttery, tender dough filled with vibrant strawberry jam, all topped with a delicate glaze. With a prep and chill time of a few hours, followed by a brief bake, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. The pop of strawberry jam nestled within a soft cookie, and a light glaze, brings a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you are preparing for a holiday, a gathering, or simply a cozy night in, Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are the quintessence of home-baked goodness that appeals to all ages. Each bite is a journey to a sweet, comforting world, making them a cherished choice among cookie enthusiasts.

How to Make Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies from Scratch

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Mix in flour.
4. Refrigerate dough 2-4 hours.
5. Scoop cookie dough balls.
6. Press a teaspoon or thumb into the dough to leave a print.
7. Fill hole with strawberry jam.
8. Bake in 350°F oven for 14 minutes.
9. Drizzle with glaze.

PRO TIP: Tis’ the season when the most delicious baking happens. Good food makes for great table conversation and happy bellies. Serve this classic shortbread recipe at any holiday party or cookie exchange.

Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients

■BUTTER:I always stock up on good quality butter like Land of Lakes right around Thanksgiving when it’s on sale for the season. For the holidays, be sure to use real butter, not margarine.

■EXTRACT:I like to use both vanilla and almond extract for Christmas baking just like my mom does. Using the combination of both will flavor the dough with hints of sweet almond.

■JAM: Use jam instead of jelly or preservatives for the best results. I like to make them with strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apricot, lemon curd, and apple jams. A combination of jams may be used in this recipe, too.

■SUGARS:Granulated sugar give this cookie just the right amount of sweetness. Powdered sugar is a traditional ingredient for icing cookies with a glaze.

■FLOUR:Dough will may be sticky once all the flour is added in to the batch. If it is very sticky, add a tablespoon more in at a time but for the most part, the dough should be thick and hold its structure once it’s chilled.

Thumbprint Cookie Tips and Questions

Can I make these cookies a few days in advance and bake them later? Yes, the dough may need 15-20 minutes to sit on the countertop so it’s easier to work with before baking.

• ☑ no eggs.
• ☑ easy shortbread dough recipe.
• ☑ use any flavor jam.
• ☑ dough freezes well for several months.
• ☑ make ahead cookie dough.

Does this dough freeze well? Yes, the cookie dough can be sealed tightly in plastic wrap and a ziplock bag then stored in the freezer for several months. I like to do this if I have an especially busy baking season ahead.

PRO TIP: Make these classic cookies gourmet and dip the rims in chopped nuts before filling the center with jam or once baked, dip half the cookie in chocolate then in chopped nuts.

Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes

• Peanut butter Blossoms
• Gingerbread Cookies
• Pecan Snowballs
• Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• No Bake Avalanche Cookies
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutouts
• Moose Munch Gourmet Popcorn Snack Mix
• 15 Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes

For more jam filled recipes, try these Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies next. These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are also a huge hit every Christmas.

Classic buttery vanilla and almond flavored shortbread thumbprint cookies with strawberry jam and icing. These Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies will melt in your mouth. This classic Christmas cookie recipe is a traditional dessert you’ll find on cookie platters. They are so good that you may even find yourself eating cookie after cookie.

adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Delight in baking Glazed Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies, a perfect activity for snowy days with family. Using simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, this recipe is a breeze. No eggs or baking powder needed—just a touch of baking extract for flavor. It’s crucial to chill the dough, either for a few hours or overnight, ensuring a perfect texture. The dough is also freezer-friendly for up to two months. When ready to bake, roll the dough into balls, create a thumbprint indentation, and fill with luscious strawberry jam. A quick 13-minute bake, and you’ll have delightful cookies ready to be savored. This classic treat is a harmonious blend of buttery shortbread and sweet, fruity jam, making baking a joy and eating an indulgence.

updated 11/2023