Strawberry Picnic Thumbprint Cookies

There's something utterly charming about thumbprint cookies—those golden, buttery rounds cradling a jewel of sweet jam at their center. These Strawberry Picnic Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect marriage of tender shortbread and vibrant strawberry filling, bringing a touch of elegance to any outdoor gathering or afternoon tea. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort, you'll have a batch of cookies that look as delightful as they taste, ready to be packed into picnic baskets or arranged on your prettiest serving platter.

Save

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility and timeless appeal. The buttery shortbread base is rich yet delicate, providing the perfect canvas for the bright, fruity strawberry jam. Whether you're baking for a family reunion, a garden party, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these thumbprint cookies deliver on both flavor and charm. They're vegetarian-friendly and yield a generous 24 cookies, making them ideal for sharing—or not!

Ingredients

• Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• Filling: 1/2 cup (160 g) strawberry jam (seedless preferred)
• Optional Decoration: 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3

Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 4

Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined and a soft dough forms.

Step 5

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6

Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Step 7

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam.

Step 8

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a firmer cookie with better shape retention, chill the shaped dough balls for 15 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Make sure your butter is properly softened—not melted—for the best texture. When making the indentations, press gently but firmly to create a well deep enough to hold the jam without breaking through the bottom of the cookie. If the indentations start to close up during baking, you can gently re-press them with a spoon immediately after removing the cookies from the oven.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While strawberry jam is classic, feel free to substitute raspberry or apricot jam for variety. You can even create an assortment using different jams for a colorful cookie platter. For a citrus twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, replace 1/4 cup of the flour with finely ground almonds. For a chocolate variation, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and fill with your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of jam.

Serviervorschläge

These thumbprint cookies are perfect alongside iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a classic picnic treat. Arrange them on a vintage platter for afternoon tea service, or pack them carefully in airtight containers for outdoor gatherings. They pair beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert spread. For a special touch, serve them with a selection of artisanal jams on the side, allowing guests to customize their own cookies. They're also wonderful as homemade gifts—simply package them in decorative tins or boxes tied with ribbon.

Save

With their buttery richness, sweet strawberry centers, and picture-perfect appearance, these thumbprint cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They're proof that simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield impressive results. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy recipe delivers consistently delicious cookies that bring smiles to every table. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of timeless treats that celebrate the joy of homemade baking.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another type?

Yes, raspberry or apricot jams offer great alternatives without changing the cookie's texture or baking time.

→ How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough balls for about 15 minutes before baking helps maintain their shape and keeps the cookies thick.

→ What is the best way to achieve a soft cookie texture?

Using softened butter and not overmixing the dough preserves tenderness, resulting in a buttery soft shortbread.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time for picnics?

Absolutely, they keep well at room temperature for several hours and can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

→ What tools are recommended for making these cookies?

A mixing bowl, electric mixer or sturdy whisk, measuring spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling rack, and a small spoon are suggested for best results.