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peanut butter thumbprint cookies

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies – Sweet, Nutty, and Perfectly Soft

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Each cookie is gently pressed in the center to hold a dollop of jam, chocolate, or Nutella, creating the perfect sweet-and-salty treat. They’re easy to make, fun for kids, and ideal for gifting or holiday cookie platters.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup jam chocolate chips, or Nutella (for filling)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preheat oven
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the cookie dough
  1. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Shape cookies
  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
  2. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Press your thumb (or a spoon handle) gently into the center of each cookie to make an indentation.
Fill centers
  1. Spoon a small amount of jam, chocolate, or Nutella into each indentation.
Bake
  1. Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
  2. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and to keep the thumbprints defined.
Use your favorite jam or chocolate for different flavor combinations.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.