• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Food Meanderings
  • Start HERE
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Courses
      • Breakfast and Brunch
        • Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast
        • Breakfast Potluck Ideas
      • Lunch
        • Sandwiches and Burgers
        • Salads
        • Soups, Stew & Chili Recipes
      • Dinner
        • Main dish
        • Pork Recipes
        • Pasta & Pizza Recipes
        • Casseroles
        • Chicken Recipes
        • Beef
        • Beef Recipes
        • Fish & Seafood
      • Desserts
        • Baked Goods
        • Bars and Squares
        • Cake
        • Cookies
        • Cupcakes
        • Frosting and Icing Recipes
        • Frozen Dessert Recipes
        • Healthy Dessert Recipes
        • No Bake Desserts
        • Pie and Pastry Recipes
        • Sweets
    • Cuisine
      • Asian Recipes
      • Italian Recipes
      • Mediterranean Recipes
      • Mexican Recipes
      • Southern Recipes
    • Dish Type
      • Appetizers
        • Dip Recipes
      • Breads
        • Bread Machine Recipes
        • Muffins
      • Side Dishes
        • Vegetables
      • Snacks
      • Sauces, Spreads and Condiments
      • Drinks
        • Smoothies
        • Mocktails
      • One-Pot and One-Pan meals
    • Cooking Style
      • Dinner Party Recipes
      • BBQ & Grilling
      • Healthy Recipes
      • Seasonal Cooking
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
      • Vegetarian
    • Special Diet
      • Gluten-free Recipes
      • Vegan Recipes
      • Vegetarian
      • Weight Watchers Friendly Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Canada Day
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Earth Day Recipes
      • Father's Day Recipes
      • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
      • 4th of July Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
      • Mother's Day Recipes
      • New Year's Eve Recipes
      • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
      • Stampede Recipes
      • Thanksgiving Recipes
      • Birthday Recipes
      • Valentine's Day Recipes
      • Game Day Recipes
    • Ingredient
      • Meat
        • Pork
        • Poultry
      • Pasta
      • Beans
      • Potatoes
      • Fruit
      • Rice
      • Egg Recipes
      • Chocolate
  • Meanderings
    • Articles
      • My Weight Watchers (WW) Journey
      • Weight Watchers Tips & Tricks
      • Comfort & Baked Expectations
      • Gingerbread: The Art of Food
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Start HERE
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
×

Home » Recipes » Courses » Desserts » Cookies

Raspberry Jam Cookies

Published: Apr 14, 2020 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Sep 1, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 20 Comments

Sharing is caring!

364 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe

If I could choose a cookie to represent my childhood, these Jam Cookies would be it. They are, hands down, my favorite cookie. And although my Mom never actually made these, my grandma and every auntie for miles around did. I recently came across this recipe in a family cookbook that my Mom's side of the family compiled over 30 years ago.

raspberry jam cookies on a white plate

This recipe is my Great Aunt Myrlene's recipe and one bite of these Raspberry Jam Cookies transported me right back to being a kid again. They are popular at Christmas, but wonderful any time of year!

Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations & Substitutions
  • 💭 Top Tips
  • 🍽Equipment
  • 👪 Serving Size
  • 🌡️Storing
  • ⭐ Reviews
  • 📋 Raspberry Jam Cookie Recipe
  • 🍪More Cookie Recipes

My Mom didn't actually bake many cookies, so when she did, it was a real treat. Her Peanut Butter Cookies are what I remember her baking and still crave today. Fortunately my Grandma and all the aunties on my Mom's side of the family were big bakers and made lots of different kinds of cookies. I can recall eating many renditions of these jam filled cookies at  various family gatherings over the years, with this version being THE BEST version I have ever tasted!

raspberry jam cookie being broken in half

🥘 Ingredients

I can honestly say these cookies are THE BEST raspberry jam cookies I have ever eaten because they are the only recipe I've ever come across that uses brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar. And wow - what a difference it makes! That brown sugar gives this cookie an incredible depth of flavor; unlike any other jam cookie!

For this recipe, you'll need:

  • unsalted butter
  • brown sugar
  • egg
  • salt 
  • cream of tartar
  • all-purpose flour
  • baking soda
  • seedless raspberry jam
  • powdered sugar/icing sugar (optional)
raspberry jam thumbprint cookies on a black plate with black tea pot and red checkered tea towel in the background

📖 Variations & Substitutions

  • Jam: These raspberry thumbprint cookies not only make a great holiday cookie, they are fantastic anytime! You can use strawberry, raspberry jam or your favorite jam, store-bought or homemade jam or jelly when making these cookies, but I prefer to use raspberry jam. Raspberry jam is a little more tart and pairs well with the sweet base of these cookies. And seedless raspberry jam is the best type of raspberry jam to use because you don't have to deal with seeds, giving you the ultimate cookie eating experience! You could also use another type of berry jam, like Saskatoon berry! I sprinkle a little powdered sugar on them for aesthetics, but it's purely optional.
  • Cream of tartar: This classic jam cookie recipe also calls for cream of tartar, but if you don't have any in your pantry, don't worry. Here are some simple substitutions for Cream of Tartar.  However, if you can get your hands on cream of tartar, I do recommend following this recipe exactly as written.
  • Unsalted butter: If you only have salted butter, go ahead and use it, but skip the salt in the recipe!
jam cookies on a green cookie sheet with powdered sugar being sprinkled on top

These classic thumbprint cookies are fun to make with your kids because they are very simple and simple cookies are ideal for teaching kids how to bake. My daughter and I made these together and it was a lot of fun! And this 4 Ingredient Whipped Shortbread is another basic cookie recipe that's great for making with kids. 

💭 Top Tips

How to minimize thumbprint cookie cracking:

Jam Thumbprint Cookies tend to crack, so after making these 3 times (yes 3 times !) until they were PERFECT, I learned a few things:

  • Keep the dough soft. Once the cookie dough is made, cover and let it rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, so that the dough will be easier to handle and less sticky.
  • Use the back of wooden spoon dipped in powdered sugar (or icing sugar, as we like to call it in Canada) to make an imprint. You can use your thumb but I found this much more effective for getting a uniform print.
  • Then spin it around a little to make it wider (pressing outwards from the center).
  • And be sure you don't press down to the very bottom of the cookie or it will be too thin .
  • Do NOT heat your jam before adding it to the cookies. 

🍽Equipment

You'll need an electric mixer, (affiliate link), a wooden spoon and cookie sheets to make these cookies with jelly in the middle.

👪 Serving Size

This jam cookie recipe makes 36 cookies. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the blue serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.

🌡️Storing

Refrigeration: You can store these raspberry thumbprint cookies in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: These cookies with jam freeze well. It's been to freeze them in a single layer. However, if you stack them, be sure to add parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking.

These Jam Cookies make an excellent cookie exchange item and the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray!

ENJOY~

And if you LOVE thumbprint cookies, then give my Butter tart Thumbprint Cookies a try. I actually spent years perfecting this cookie because I love butter tarts that much!

Butter Tart Thumbprint Cookies | easy butter tart filling - Foodmeanderings.com

⭐ Reviews

Did you make this thumbprint cookie recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

raspberry jam cookies on a white plate
Food Meandering Logo

📋 Raspberry Jam Cookie Recipe

These simple and delicious Raspberry Jam Cookies are classic thumbprint cookies filled with raspberry preserves and baked to perfection. This recipe uses brown sugar for a depth of flavor like no other jam cookie you've ever had. The taste will transport you right back to your childhood.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Keyword: cookies, jam, raspberry, thumbprint cookie
Special Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 109kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
resting time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 whole egg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup seedless raspberry jam * can substitute strawberry jam

Garnish (optional)

  • powdered sugar for sprinkling
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F/218 degrees C . *Do NOT spray baking sheet
  • In a large bowl, with an electric hand mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth.
  • Add egg and beat until blended.
  • Sift dry ingredients together, then add flour mixture to creamed butter mixture.
  • * I recommend you let the dough sit for 15 minutes before rolling into balls (it helps to prevent cracking)
  • Form into 1-inch balls. Space balls of dough at least 1-2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Press indent into ball with the end of a wooden spoon (dipped in powdered sugar.) Be sure not to push too far down or the bottoms of the cookie will be too thin. You could also use the back of melon baller, spoon or your finger or thumb.
  • Add jam filling to centre of cookies to the top, but don't overfill.
  • Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
  • Cool for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to continue cooling. Enjoy!

Garnish

  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
  • Freezing: These freeze well. If you stack them, be sure to add parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking.

Notes

*See post contents for important recipe information and tips!
Please SUBSCRIBE  (get my FREE E-cookbook) and be sure to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!
Nutrition Facts
📋 Raspberry Jam Cookie Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 109 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 10mg3%
Sodium 37mg2%
Potassium 31mg1%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 118IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 9mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcal (5%) | Carbohydrates: 18g (6%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) | Cholesterol: 10mg (3%) | Sodium: 37mg (2%) | Potassium: 31mg (1%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 11g (12%) | Vitamin A: 118IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 9mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

🍪More Cookie Recipes

  • Strawberry Milkshake Cookies
  • Award-Winning Toffee Apple Pie Cookies
  • Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe
  • Peanut Cookie Butter Cookies
  • 4 ingredient Whipped Shortbread Cookies

More Cookie recipes

  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
  • Terry's Chocolate Orange Cookies
  • Healthy Comfort Foods
  • Christmas Baking Collection

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ayngelina

    April 21, 2020 at 9:05 am

    This reminds me of baking with my grandmother, we would always make jam cookies and pies together.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 21, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      I'm glad it evoked a fond memory for you, Ayngelina!

      Reply
  2. Colleen

    April 21, 2020 at 5:08 pm

    Thumbprint cookies were a childhood favourite in our family as well. Usually at Christmas. I love the classic raspberry jam filling.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 23, 2020 at 8:14 am

      Thanks, Colleen! Yes, I love them at Christmas or anytime!

      Reply
  3. Jessica

    April 22, 2020 at 8:16 am

    One of my childhood favourites as well! My grandma used to make these at Christmas as a part of a huge cookie spread, so delicious!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 23, 2020 at 8:14 am

      I really want these old-fashioned recipes to carry on through the generations!

      Reply
  4. Vanessa

    April 22, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    My Mom would make cookies like this at Christmas when I was a kid. They are so good!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 23, 2020 at 8:13 am

      I agree, Vanessa!

      Reply
  5. Jo Vanderwolf

    April 23, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Love the classics! The addition of brown sugar is genius. I'll have to give it a try 🙂

    Reply
  6. Cynthia at Cynful Kitchen

    April 25, 2020 at 12:32 am

    This looks easy to make! I will have to save it to Pinterest to bake with my almost 4 years old. He loves to bake with me.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 25, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks, Cynthia - enjoy!They are fun to bake with kids !

      Reply
  7. Kelly Neil

    April 27, 2020 at 5:42 am

    Oh my goodness yum! I imagine the brown sugar makes them taste like a Scottish shortbread. I've never made jam cookies and this would be a perfect recipe to bake with my three year old! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 27, 2020 at 6:45 am

      It really does, Kelly! They are soo yummy and fun to make with kids!

      Reply
  8. Julia

    May 04, 2020 at 10:00 am

    Can't beat a good thumbprint cookie and these look amazing!

    Reply
  9. babe

    August 27, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    I have a dairy allergy. What can I use

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      August 27, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      Hi, I would suggest you try using vegan margarine (Becel) in place of the butter. Personally, I have never tried it, but I think it would work in this recipe. You could use 1/4 tsp of butter extract to mimic the butter flavor (it's vegan).
      I'd love to know how it turns out!
      Terri

      Reply
  10. Pam

    November 29, 2022 at 7:28 am

    Easy and delicious! Made exactly as stated in recipe. Used the small end of melon scoop to make the indent and used 1/4 tsp. of jam to fill. Dusted with powdered sugar once the cookies were completely cool. Will make again.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      November 29, 2022 at 7:55 am

      I’m so glad you loved them, Pam! Good idea to make the indent with a melon scoop!

      Reply
  11. CST

    December 29, 2022 at 5:28 pm

    LOVE THESE COOKIES!!! And so did everyone who received them for Xmas this year. Not too sweet and easy to make. The raspberry jam in the middle is festive for the holidays and yummy!
    CST in AZ

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      December 31, 2022 at 8:04 am

      I'm so glad to hear it! They are are fave too. Happy Holidays!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

More about me →

Comfort Food Recipes

  • Easy Turkey Pot Pie (with cream of chicken soup)
  • 31 Healthy Fall Soup Recipes
  • Reuben Soup
  • Lentil and Sausage Stew (with spinach)

More Comfort Food Recipes->

Footer

Featured On:

Taste Of Home Logo Parade Logo MSN Logo Master Chef Canada Logo Huffpost Logo Good Housekeeping Logo

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Policy

Subscribe

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work with me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Foodmeanderings.com

364 shares