Name: Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Jam and Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Yield: 24 Cookies
Cuisine: American

Cooking with Conks Verified

February 3, 2026

These thumbprint cookies with jam and pecans are buttery, a little soft, a little crisp, and filled with fruity jam in the center. The chopped pecan coating adds a mild, nutty crunch that balances the delicate cookie base. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite jam. These cookies are a great option for holiday parties, cookie trays, or cozy baking days at home.

Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Jam and Pecans

Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Jam and Pecans cover

From the Cook

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Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Jam and Pecans

Cooking with Conks Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using an electric beater or a whisk, cream together the sugar and butter until fluffy.

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla, then mix in the flour and salt (if using).

Lightly beat together the egg whites in a separate bowl. They don’t need to be super fluffy, just mixed together so they’re no longer gloopy.

Place the finely chopped pecans into a small bowl.

Scoop about a tablespoon and a half of cookie batter and roll it into a ball between your hands.

Dip the cookie dough ball into the egg whites, then dip it into the pecan pieces.

Place about 8 cookies onto a baking sheet about 2 inches apart, and place the rest of the cookie dough into the fridge.

Using a teaspoon or your thumb or knuckle, make a small indentation into the center of each cookie. In each indentation, put up to a teaspoon of your favorite jam (depending on the size of the indentation). Don’t overfill, though. You don’t want the jam to leak out while it bakes.

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, then let them cool completely before eating.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Chill Dough for Perfect Shape 🧊
Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a clean thumbprint indent.
Pecan Coating Technique 🥜
Finely chop pecans and roll the cookie dough balls in them before creating the thumbprint to ensure an even, delicate nut coating.
Jam Filling Pro Tip 🍓
Use a small teaspoon or piping bag to carefully fill the thumbprint indentation, avoiding overflow and ensuring a neat presentation.
Uniform Cookie Size 📏
Use a cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball to create consistent-sized cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
Cooling Rack Magic 🍪
Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack immediately after baking to prevent bottom sogginess and maintain a crisp texture.

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About the Cook

Cooking with Conks

We’re Rachel & Emily Conklin (“Conks” for short), sisters, lifelong foodies, and the voices behind Cooking with Conks. We grew up in Southern California, surrounded by bold flavors, big family meals, and the kind of kitchen chaos that turns into inside jokes