These soft, buttery thumbprint cookies have a hint of tang from cream cheese and are filled with your favorite jam for a classic treat. They’re simple to make and perfect for holidays or everyday snacking.

A stack of cream cheese thumbprints on a cutting board.

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The BEST Cream Cheese Thumbprint Jam Cookies

Cream cheese thumbprint cookies are easy to make, always soft, and just a little tangy thanks to the cream cheese in the dough. They bake up tender and buttery, and you can fill the centers with any jam you like—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or whatever you have on hand.

They’re simple to make, kid-friendly, and great for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or quick homemade gifts. I know you’re going to love this fun and simple cookie recipe and will want to save it to make over and over again. If you’re looking for more easy cookies recipes, be sure to check out the recipes below and happy baking friends!

Want More Holiday Cookie Recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

unsalted butter
cream cheese
granulated sugar
egg yolk
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
salt
jam or preserves (any flavor)

How to Make Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla until combined.

Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.

Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are just turning golden.

Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Print Recipe

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Cream cheese cookie dough baked until golden brown then topped with jam of choice.

Cook Time20

Chill Time30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas Cookies

Servings: cookies

Calories: 149kcal

Ingredients

1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup jam or preserves any flavor

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla until combined.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.
Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are just turning golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.