Vanilla Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies

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Delicate, buttery, and delightfully tropical—Vanilla Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a sweet treat that brings joy with every bite. The base is a soft vanilla cookie rolled in shredded coconut for texture and flavor, then filled with your favorite jam for a pop of fruity brightness. Their signature “thumbprint” center makes them not only delicious but also beautifully eye-catching.

Perfect for tea parties, holiday cookie swaps, or as an everyday sweet indulgence, these cookies have a tender crumb and balanced sweetness that make them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to customize—use raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam depending on your mood or the season.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

• A perfect mix of chewy coconut, soft cookie, and fruity jam.
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients.
• Customizable with different jam flavors.
• Ideal for gifting, gatherings, or freezing for later.
• A beautiful, bakery-style cookie without the fuss.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get perfectly shaped and textured thumbprint cookies, these tools are essential:

• Mixing Bowls: For creaming butter, sugar, and combining dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Ensures a smooth, fluffy dough for a tender cookie.
• Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment for easy release and even baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy keeps the dough consistent.
• Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps create evenly sized cookies.
• Your Thumb or Rounded Spoon Handle: For the iconic indent that holds the jam.

Each tool contributes to the appearance and uniformity of the cookies, while also making the prep smoother and quicker.

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Preparation Tips

Let your butter come to room temperature before you start—it should be soft but not melted. When forming the cookies, roll them in shredded coconut before adding the thumbprint. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft; this helps prevent spreading. Use a small spoon or your thumb to make a gentle indentation—don’t press all the way through. Add the jam before baking so it sets slightly and melds into the cookie. Once cooled, dust with a bit of powdered sugar for extra charm.

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Ingredients for Vanilla Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites (for coating)
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry work great)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough and ensures a soft, tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully incorporated. The yolk adds richness, while the extracts provide a flavorful aromatic base for the cookie.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

Step 4: Prepare Coconut Coating

Place the egg whites in a shallow bowl and lightly beat them. Add the shredded coconut to a separate bowl. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, dip it into the egg white, and then roll it in coconut until fully coated.

Step 5: Form Thumbprint Indentations

Place the coconut-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie. Be careful not to press all the way through.

Step 6: Add the Jam

Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam. Don’t overfill, as the jam will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 14–16 minutes or until the coconut edges turn golden brown and the cookies are set. Rotate the pans halfway through for even browning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and store in an airtight container.

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Notes

These cookies are best when made with high-quality jam and fresh coconut. For the jam, choose one that’s thick rather than runny to prevent overflow during baking. If you want a crisper edge, lightly toast the coconut before coating the dough. This will add a deeper nutty flavor and a beautiful golden color.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Cold Butter: This makes it hard to cream properly and results in a dense cookie.
• Skipping the Chill (if dough is too soft): If your dough feels sticky or greasy, chill it for 15–20 minutes to prevent spreading.
• Overbaking: These cookies can go from golden to overdone quickly. Watch for lightly browned edges.
• Overfilling with Jam: Too much jam will bubble over and make a mess.
• Pressing the Indent Too Deep: It can cause the cookie to crack or fall apart.

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Storage Instructions

Store Vanilla Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. To enjoy from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the cookies and harden the jam.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, approx. 1 of 24 servings)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 30mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, but sweetened coconut adds more texture and browns better. If using unsweetened, you may want to slightly increase the sugar in the dough.

What jam works best?

Thicker jams like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot hold their shape well during baking and taste great.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Too-soft dough or overmixing the butter can cause excessive spreading. Chill the dough if needed.

Do I need to toast the coconut?

It’s optional. Toasting adds flavor and color but is not required.

Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Yes, freeze them in layers between parchment. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Is it okay to fill with jam after baking?

You can, but adding jam before baking helps it set and meld with the cookie.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that all other ingredients (like jam) are gluten-free too.

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Conclusion

Vanilla Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies combine buttery vanilla richness with the tropical sweetness of coconut and the tangy brightness of fruit jam. Their charming appearance and customizable filling make them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive cookie tray, these little delights deliver big satisfaction in every bite.

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