Sugar Plum Thumbprints

There’s something magical about baking during the colder months, when the scent of butter, vanilla, and sweet jam fill the air. These Sugar Plum Thumbprints are tiny bites of joy, with a soft, buttery cookie base cradling a pool of luscious plum jam right in the center. The texture is tender with a slight crunch, and the flavors are rich, fruity, and warmly spiced. Trust me, these are the kind of cookies that disappear before you can say “just one more.”

Behind the Recipe

These cookies take me straight back to the holidays at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen was always buzzing and the cookie trays were endless. Thumbprints were always part of the lineup, but plum jam made them feel extra special. The tart-sweet jam tucked into the middle of a delicate shortbread-like cookie? Pure nostalgia in every bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Thumbprint cookies originally come from Sweden, where they’re known as “Hallongrotta” or “raspberry cave.” Traditionally filled with raspberry jam, they’ve made their way across the globe, and home bakers have embraced all sorts of fillings, from lemon curd to chocolate. Plum jam gives these cookies a twist that feels both elegant and festive, especially during the holiday season when stone fruit preserves shine.

Why You’ll Love Sugar Plum Thumbprints

These cookies are more than just pretty—they’re the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth.

Versatile: Swap in any jam you like, or add a drizzle of glaze for extra flair.
Budget-Friendly: Basic pantry ingredients make this a cost-effective crowd-pleaser.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps, minimal mess, and ready in under an hour.
Customizable: Use different fruit jams or spices for your own twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: These beauties always get compliments on cookie trays.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and freeze, then pull them out when guests arrive.
Great for Leftovers: They stay fresh in a tin and even taste better the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Making great thumbprint cookies is all about technique and timing. Here’s what I’ve learned after many batches:

• Roll the dough balls evenly so they bake at the same rate.
• Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
• Press the thumbprint gently, and re-indent if needed before they finish baking.
• Don’t overfill with jam—it bubbles up and can spill over.
• Let them cool fully before moving so the jam sets nicely.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make these, just the basics:

Mixing Bowls: For creaming the butter and blending ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming and mixing easy and fluffy.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters with baking.
Baking Sheet: Line with parchment for easy cleanup.
Small Spoon: Perfect for filling the cookies with jam.
Cooling Rack: So the cookies firm up without getting soggy.

Ingredients in Sugar Plum Thumbprints

These ingredients work together to create rich, buttery bites with fruity sweetness at the center.

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) – Forms the base and gives that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Granulated Sugar: 2/3 cup – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies hold shape.
3. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Rounds out the flavor with cozy depth.
4. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – The structure and substance of the cookies.
5. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
6. Plum Jam or Preserves: About 1/2 cup – Sweet, fruity, and vibrant in the center.
7. Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting – Adds a festive, snowy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes the pantry isn’t fully stocked. No problem.

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (just reduce added salt slightly).
Plum Jam: Any fruit preserves like raspberry, cherry, or apricot.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract for a nuttier twist.
All-Purpose Flour: 1:1 gluten-free flour mix if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Plum Jam: This jam brings a deep, complex sweetness with a touch of tartness that perfectly complements the buttery cookie.

Butter: When used generously, it creates that soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Always use good-quality butter for the best flavor.

Instructions for Making Sugar Plum Thumbprints

This is one of those recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Get your baking sheet ready with parchment or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and no sticking.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Scoop out 1-inch dough balls and roll them between your hands. Place on the baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Press your thumb gently into the center of each to make a well.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of plum jam. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   These cookies are best enjoyed with a warm drink and good company. Stack them on a platter and watch them vanish.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are all about contrast. The buttery, crumbly cookie is rich but not too sweet, which makes the fruity plum jam pop with brightness. The edges are tender with a slight crunch, and the center stays soft and slightly sticky from the jam.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few simple tips go a long way:

• Use room-temperature butter for smooth, even creaming.
• If the dough is too soft, chill for 15 minutes to make it easier to shape.
• Add a second spoon of jam halfway through baking if it sinks too much.

What to Avoid

Don’t worry, mistakes happen! But here’s how to sidestep a few common ones:

• Overbaking: They can dry out fast. Watch for golden edges, not brown.
• Using too much jam: It can bubble over and burn. Use just enough to fill.
• Skipping the chill time: If the dough feels sticky, a quick chill keeps cookies from spreading.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make these ahead with no stress. The dough can be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Baked cookies last up to 5 days in an airtight container, and they freeze beautifully. Just thaw at room temperature and enjoy like they’re fresh.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Thumbprints

Serve these on a holiday cookie tray, gift them in a festive tin, or pair with hot tea or mulled cider for a cozy winter afternoon. They also shine on brunch buffets or dessert tables.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you somehow have extras, try these:

• Crumble over vanilla ice cream.
• Sandwich two with extra jam for a sweet twist.
• Chop and sprinkle on yogurt or oatmeal.

Additional Tips

• Use a 1-tablespoon scoop for evenly sized cookies.
• For a sparkle effect, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
• Want more spice? Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes all the difference. Stack these in a white ceramic dish, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish the tray with fresh plum slices or a sprig of rosemary for holiday flair.

Variations to Try

• Almond Thumbprints: Swap vanilla for almond extract and use cherry jam.
• Chocolate Thumbprints: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the dough.
• Citrus Glaze: Drizzle with lemon glaze for a zesty kick.
• Nutty Crust: Roll the dough in crushed pecans before baking.
• Spiced Dough: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warmth.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought jam?

A1: Absolutely. Just pick a good-quality one with rich flavor.

Q2: Do I need to chill the dough?

A2: It helps the cookies hold their shape, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookies?

A3: Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q4: What if my thumbprints puff up?

A4: Gently re-press the center with a spoon right after baking.

Q5: How long do they stay fresh?

A5: About 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q6: Can I make them gluten-free?

A6: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well.

Q7: Can I use a piping bag for jam?

A7: Sure! It makes filling cleaner and more precise.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Definitely. Just bake in batches to avoid crowding.

Q9: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A9: Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.

Q10: Do they need to be refrigerated?

A10: Nope, just store them in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

Sugar Plum Thumbprints are everything you want in a cookie—simple to make, gorgeous to look at, and even better to eat. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a cozy treat, these cookies deliver a bit of magic in every bite. Go ahead, take that second (or third) one. You’ve earned it.

Print