Cherry thumbprint cookies are a timeless classic. Their buttery base, fruity center, and soft crumb make them a favorite at holiday tables, tea parties, or afternoon snack spreads. This version elevates the traditional thumbprint with a zesty lemon glaze that balances the sweetness of cherry jam or whole cherries with a bright, citrusy finish.
With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and that signature little well filled with fruit, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The contrast between the golden-baked cookie, ruby red filling, and a drizzle of lemon glaze makes them festive and elegant all at once.
They’re simple to make using common ingredients, and they store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or prepping ahead. Whether you use cherry jam or opt for whole maraschino cherries, this recipe delivers bite-sized cookies full of flavor, texture, and charm.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
1 cup (225 g) butter, softened
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cherry jam or whole maraschino cherries (as needed)
For the Lemon Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
The cookie dough itself is rich, simple, and tender, with butter as its base. Sugar sweetens without overwhelming, and eggs give structure and softness. A bit of vanilla enhances the flavor, while a touch of salt brings balance. The lemon glaze, although optional, transforms the cookie from cozy to refined with just two ingredients.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating or stirring until a smooth, pliable dough forms. The dough should hold its shape but feel soft and buttery to the touch.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Shaping the Cookies
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Once all the balls are shaped, use your thumb, the back of a small spoon, or the handle of a wooden utensil to press a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Be gentle to avoid cracking the dough around the edges.
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam, or press in half of a maraschino cherry. If using whole cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel before placing them into the cookies. This helps prevent excess moisture that might cause the filling to spread during baking.
Baking
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tray of cookies in the center of the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
The cookies are ready when the edges begin to turn a light golden color. The centers will remain pale and soft, especially around the cherry or jam filling.
Remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before applying the glaze.
Making the Lemon Glaze
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir until smooth and glossy. If the glaze seems too thick, add a little more lemon juice, just a few drops at a time, until you reach the desired drizzling consistency.
Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies in thin zigzag lines or drops, depending on your preference.
Let the glaze set for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving or storing. It will harden into a slightly crisp finish, adding texture and a citrus brightness that complements the sweet cherry centers.
Texture and Flavor
These cherry thumbprint cookies have a buttery, shortbread-like base that crumbles softly with every bite. The outside is just firm enough to hold its shape, while the inside stays delicate and smooth.
The cherry filling adds a chewy, fruity center with a touch of tartness, especially when paired with the lemon glaze. The result is a cookie that feels festive yet not overly sweet, with layers of flavor and texture in each bite.
The contrast between the rich, golden cookie, the juicy red center, and the tangy lemon drizzle makes for a delightful tasting and visual experience.
Tips for Best Results
Use Softened Butter:
Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps the dough cream properly and gives the cookies a light, even texture.
Don’t Overfill:
If using jam, resist the urge to overfill the wells. Jam spreads slightly when baking and too much may overflow. A level 1/2 teaspoon is usually just right.
Chill if Needed:
If your kitchen is very warm or the dough feels too soft after mixing, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before shaping. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Dry the Cherries:
If using maraschino cherries, make sure to pat them completely dry. Excess syrup can interfere with the cookie texture and may cause them to bake unevenly.
Lemon Glaze Tip:
Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the powdered sugar before mixing to avoid lumps in the glaze.
Variations
This basic thumbprint cookie recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few fun and flavorful twists:
Berry Twist:
Swap the cherry jam for raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry preserves.
Nutty Version:
Roll the cookie dough balls in finely chopped walnuts or almonds before making the indentations for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Crust:
Roll the dough balls in shredded coconut before pressing in the centers. The coconut will toast beautifully in the oven.
Chocolate Drizzle:
Instead of or along with lemon glaze, drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark or white chocolate.
Almond Flavoring:
Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a deeper nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Serving Suggestions
Tea or Coffee:
Serve a few of these cookies with black tea, earl grey, or espresso for a refined afternoon treat.
Gift Boxes:
Their neat shape, cheerful center, and stable glaze make these cookies perfect for packaging into gift boxes, cookie tins, or jars.
Holiday Platters:
Add them to a platter of assorted cookies during holidays. Their color and shine make them stand out among classics like butter cookies or chocolate biscuits.
Party Treats:
Use them as a base for small cookie sandwiches—add a swipe of buttercream between two thumbprints (without jam) for a fun twist.
Storage and Shelf Life
Cherry thumbprint cookies store well and maintain their texture for several days.
Room Temperature:
Store cooled, glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator:
You can refrigerate the cookies to extend their freshness to about a week, especially in warm climates. Let them return to room temperature before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.
Dough Storage:
The cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before shaping.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of a tender, buttery cookie with a sweet-tart cherry filling and a light lemon glaze creates a balance that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. The cookie base is simple enough to let the filling and glaze shine, while its melt-in-the-mouth texture keeps every bite satisfying.
Each step—from creaming the butter to glazing the finished cookies—builds toward a treat that’s as pleasant to look at as it is to eat. The use of basic ingredients means you can make these any time, without needing special trips to the store.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself with something beautiful and delicious, these cherry thumbprint cookies offer a perfect combination of flavor, texture, and visual charm.
Final Thoughts
Cherry thumbprint cookies with lemon glaze bring a fresh twist to a classic treat. They’re as appropriate on a winter holiday cookie tray as they are at a spring brunch. Easy to prepare, beautiful to present, and delightful to eat, they check all the boxes for a go-to cookie recipe.
Once you try them, you’ll likely find yourself making them again and again—filling them with different jams, tweaking the glaze, or simply enjoying the original version just as it is.
Their bright centers, soft bite, and zesty drizzle make them little pockets of joy on any dessert table.