Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies are buttery shortbread-style treats with a sweet raspberry jam center—crispy on the edges, tender inside, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or a cozy weekend at home, these nostalgic cookies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: No special tools, no complicated steps—just simple ingredients and a foolproof method.
- Classic and Cozy: With buttery dough and fruity jam, every bite feels like a trip back to grandma’s kitchen.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite jam flavors or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a twist.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for cookie exchanges, bake sales, or a sweet homemade gift.
Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup thick raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
How to Make Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the butter, 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Shape Dough: Scoop and roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Coat in Sugar: Roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar.
- Make Indentations: Place on a baking sheet and press your thumb or a small spoon into each to form a well.
- Chill: Freeze the shaped cookies for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Add Jam: Fill a small piping bag or zip-top bag with jam, snip the corner, and squeeze into the indentations.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Chill Is Key: Don’t skip the freezer step—it keeps the cookies from spreading and losing their shape.
- Room Temp Butter: Make sure the butter is slightly cool but soft enough to cream easily.
- Don’t Overfill with Jam: A little goes a long way—just enough to fill the center.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Thumbprints: Roll dough in finely chopped pecans or almonds before baking.
- Citrus Zest Boost: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright flavor twist.
- Chocolate Center: Fill indentations with chocolate ganache or hazelnut spread.
- Holiday Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a festive aroma.
- Glazed Finish: Once cooled, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment between them to avoid sticking.
How to Reheat Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Oven: Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture.
- Microwave: Heat one or two cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10–15 seconds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use different types of jam?
Yes! Raspberry is classic, but apricot, strawberry, cherry, or even lemon curd are all delicious options. - Do I have to chill the dough?
Definitely. Chilling helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents spreading. - Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If that’s what you have on hand, reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor. - How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure easy removal. - Can I use store-bought cookie dough as a shortcut?
You can, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly. Homemade dough gives the best results.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 108kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 33mg
- Potassium: 15mg
- Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g
- Calcium: 5mg
- Iron: 1mg
Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Description
Buttery shortbread cookies filled with sweet raspberry jam—easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for holiday trays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter, 3/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in remaining sugar.
- Place on sheet, press thumb or spoon into centers.
- Chill in freezer 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Fill centers with jam.
- Bake 10–12 min until edges are golden.
- Cool on sheet before serving.
Notes
- Chill dough before baking for best shape.
Avoid overmixing for soft centers.
Try different jams or add a glaze for variety.
Pioneer Woman Jam Thumbprint Cookies
