Vegan Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

These vegan thumbprint cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat, perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a pop of fruity sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per Serving: ~80 kcal

Ingredients

For the cookies:

1 cup vegan butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the jam filling:

½ cup fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough forms a smooth, soft consistency. It should hold together when pressed but not feel sticky. If the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) to help bring it together.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Scoop out small, walnut-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball to create a small indentation for the jam filling.

Step 5: Add the Jam

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can spread and overflow during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. The cookies should be soft but set.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The jam will firm up as the cookies cool.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a sweet treat with tea or coffee, or pack them up for a holiday gift.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 80 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 35 mg
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 4 g

Tips for Success

Don’t Overfill the Jam: It’s tempting to add a lot of jam, but keeping it to ½ teaspoon ensures that it won’t spill over the edges and burn.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Use Different Jams: For variety, try using multiple types of jam to create an assortment of flavors. Raspberry, apricot, and blackberry work particularly well.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months.