If you’re looking for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that combines buttery richness with a creamy, tangy center, these cream cheese thumbprint cookies are exactly what you need. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies boast a tender crumb thanks to the addition of cream cheese, which keeps them moist and flavorful.
The classic thumbprint indentation is filled with your favorite jam, creating a beautiful burst of sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time.
Plus, these cookies store well, making them perfect to prepare ahead of time or gift to friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a little joy to your kitchen with these charming thumbprint cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cream cheese thumbprint cookies are a fantastic treat for several reasons. First, the cream cheese in the dough adds a unique richness and tenderness that sets these cookies apart from traditional butter cookies.
They are soft yet hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for pressing your thumbprint and filling with jam.
Second, the versatility of this recipe means you can customize your jam filling to suit your taste—whether you prefer raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or even a tangy lemon curd. Finally, these cookies have a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making them irresistible with a cup of tea or coffee.
They are an excellent choice for holiday baking, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam or preserves of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work best)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Teaspoon or small spoon (for making thumbprints)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream together the butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam or preserves.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden and the cookies appear set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy! These cookies are best eaten within a few days but will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency in the dough.
If you want to add a little extra flair, try rolling the cookie dough balls in finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
Another fun variation is to swap out the jam for chocolate ganache or Nutella in the thumbprint. This creates a rich, decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
For a citrusy touch, try lemon curd instead of jam.
Want to make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Just keep an eye on the texture and baking time, as gluten-free doughs may behave slightly differently.
To explore more easy and delicious recipes, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or try the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for wholesome meal ideas.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
They also make a charming addition to dessert trays, especially during festive seasons like Christmas or Easter.
For a playful dessert platter, combine these cookies with other treats like biscotti, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and fresh fruit. If you’re hosting a brunch, they add a sweet note that guests will appreciate without overpowering other flavors.
Looking for more fresh and easy ideas to complement your baked treats? Try our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a light, refreshing salad option.
Conclusion
Cream cheese thumbprint cookies are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Their soft, tender texture combined with the burst of fruity sweetness from the jam makes each bite a little moment of joy.
This recipe is perfect whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, as it’s simple, reliable, and yields delicious results every time.
By making these cookies at home, you control the quality of ingredients and can customize the fillings to suit your preferences. They also make fantastic gifts or party favors thanks to their beautiful presentation and irresistible taste.
Try this recipe today and add a touch of homemade magic to your cookie jar!
📖 Recipe Card: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Description: Buttery and tender thumbprint cookies filled with sweet jam. Perfectly balanced with a creamy texture and fruity center.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (raspberry or strawberry preferred)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 11g
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