These cookies offer the perfect balance of nutty flavor and sweet filling in every bite. The thumbprint indentation is not only charming but also makes them versatile—you can fill them with anything from fruity jam to melted chocolate. They’re simple to prepare, great for baking with kids, and ideal for gifting or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Filling of choice (jam, chocolate ganache, or more peanut butter)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
Place on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a well into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and immediately press the centers again if needed to deepen the wells.
Cool slightly before adding your choice of filling.
Let the cookies set before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, and baking time is 10–12 minutes.
Variations
Classic Jam: Fill with strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam for a PB&J-inspired treat.
Chocolate Center: Use a chocolate kiss or a spoonful of ganache for a rich twist.
Nutella Swirl: Add a swirl of hazelnut spread in the center.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Salted Caramel: A small dollop of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt makes a gourmet variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the texture may be more crumbly. A no-stir variety works best for consistent results.
What’s the best filling for thumbprint cookies?
Jam, chocolate, and peanut butter are classic choices, but feel free to get creative with caramel, lemon curd, or nut spreads.
How do I keep the thumbprint from puffing up?
Gently re-press the center with a spoon after baking if needed to maintain the well.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, their shape and filling make them visually appealing and ideal for packaging.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well if you’re baking for a crowd.
Should I chill the dough?
Chilling is not required but can help if your dough feels too soft or sticky.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and ensure your filling is also dairy-free for a fully dairy-free version.
How do I prevent the bottoms from burning?
Use light-colored baking sheets and line with parchment paper for even baking.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a classic, crowd-pleasing treat that offers endless possibilities for fillings and flavor combinations. Soft, rich, and irresistibly cute, they’re perfect for any occasion—from festive celebrations to afternoon snacks. Easy to bake and fun to personalize, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with creamy peanut butter and filled with your choice of jam, chocolate, or nut butter. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:27 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling of choice (jam, chocolate ganache, Nutella, or peanut butter)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
Place dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a well into the center of each cookie.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and re-press the centers if needed to maintain the well shape.
Cool slightly before filling the centers with jam, chocolate, or other filling.
Allow the cookies to set before serving or storing.
Notes
Use no-stir peanut butter for the best consistency.Chilling the dough is optional but helpful if it’s too soft.Re-press the thumbprint wells after baking to hold more filling.Fillings like jam, ganache, or caramel work well—get creative!Cookies freeze well and are great for gifting.
