Strawberry Picnic Thumbprint Cookies (Printable)

Buttery shortbread with sweet strawberry jam centers, perfect for picnics and warm weather gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

→ Filling

06 - 1/2 cup strawberry jam, seedless preferred

→ Optional Decoration

07 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Beat in vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring just until combined and a soft dough forms.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into uniform balls. Space them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
06 - Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, press a gentle indentation into the center of each dough ball.
07 - Distribute approximately 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation.
08 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges achieve a light golden color.
09 - Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for complete cooling.
10 - Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • Quick and easy with minimal ingredients
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert for picnics and parties
  • Customizable with your favorite jam flavors
  • Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a burst of fruity sweetness
  • Beautiful presentation that looks bakery-quality
02 -
  • Use seedless jam to ensure a smooth, professional-looking center
  • Don't overfill the indentations—1/2 teaspoon is the perfect amount to prevent overflow
  • Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp edges
  • For easier cleanup, use a small piping bag or squeeze bottle to fill the centers
  • Always check jam labels for potential allergens if serving guests with dietary restrictions
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