Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

The combination of fresh jam and a ‘buttery’-sweet crumb is pure deliciousness in every bite of these easy vegan raspberry jam thumbprint cookies.

These are the tastiest cookies that totally remind me of being a kid! I was feeling in a raspberry mood today, but you can switch out the preserves for any flavor your heart desires. 

Baking cookies might seem a bit complicated, but this recipe is as simple as it can be. These childhood favorites are soft and sweet and topped with a delicious jam and a vegan chocolate chip. 

The magic of these thumbprint cookies is in the dough. It’s a simple sugar dough, but it’s light and ‘buttery’ at the same time. Truly heavenly!

Small, round, bite-sized, and topped with their colorful jam, these thumbprint cookies are simply perfect to snack on while enjoying some fun activity.

If you love the flavors of berries and vegan chocolate you’ve got to try these blackberry chocolate cupcakes! You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients You Need

A handful of simple ingredients are all you will need to gather together to start baking these vegan thumbprint cookies. Here’s what you need:

• Vegan Butter: Any brand works! Make sure it’s at room temperature before you get started.
• Granulated Sugar: A simple sweetener that works great for these vegan cookies.
• Flavor: Use almond extract and vanilla extract to give your raspberry cookies great flavor.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flavor for making these cookies. 
• Raspberry Preserves: This thick form of jam is perfect for making raspberry jam thumbprint cookies.
• Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips: Adds just a touch of chocolate flavor that goes oh so well with the raspberry flavor. I like using Guittard or Trader Joe’s.

Variations

• Swap the vegan chocolate. Use vegan white chocolate chips for delicate sweetness or vegan dark chocolate chips for more intense flavor.
• Different flavored preserves. Anything works but try to stick with a type of jam or preserves that’s not overly chunky which is more difficult to add to the vegan cookies.
• Gluten-free. Swap the flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.

How to Make Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions!

• 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
• 2) Beat the sugar and vegan butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl until fluffy.

• 3) Add the almond and vanilla extract.

• 4) Add the flour to the vegan butter mixture in one-half cup increments, beating until it’s well mixed.

• 5) Drop the cookie dough by the tablespoons onto a lightly greased pan. I usually make the balls 2 tablespoons because I like large cookies. 

• 6) Make a small dent in the middle of the cookie using your thumbprint and add the preserves. Add a vegan chocolate chip on top of the preserves.

• 7) Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.

Expert Tips

• When it comes to baking, precision is key! Make sure you measure all the ingredients well and do so before starting the mixing process. 
• Make sure you roll the balls into a nice round shape. That way when you press your thumb it creates a nice print. You want a good indent in the middle with nice and thick edges. 
• Make sure your jam is smooth enough to top your vegan cookie evenly. If the jam is too stiff or chunky, it won’t fit the indent the right way. You can always microwave your jam for a few seconds to loosen it up a bit. 

FAQs

How to Store

Store your vegan thumbprint cookies in a container at room temperature for up to five days. Cookies may soften as they sit.

Can I freeze raspberry thumbprint cookies? Yes, you can! Just let them fully cool before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them on the counter.

More Vegan Cookies Recipes You’ll Love

• Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 6 Amazing Vegan Holiday Cookies
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Triple Ginger Vegan Cookies

Photos by Alfonso Revilla