Jam-filled cookies bring back memories of grandma’s kitchen and that sweet, sticky goodness oozing from the center. They’re simple treats that somehow make everything better!
Whether you prefer traditional jam or want to try something new with Nutella, these 20 cookie ideas will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress friends at your next gathering.
1. Classic Thumbprint Delights
Press your thumb into soft cookie dough to create the perfect jam reservoir. These buttery classics never go out of style.
Fill with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves for a burst of fruity flavor. The contrast between crisp cookie edges and gooey center makes these irresistible.
2. Linzer Cookie Sandwiches
Elegant and eye-catching, these sandwich cookies feature a cut-out top that showcases the vibrant jam inside. The dusting of powdered sugar makes them look like they came from a fancy bakery.
The almond-flavored dough pairs perfectly with tart raspberry jam.
3. Jam-Filled Shortbread Pockets
Buttery shortbread encasing sweet jam creates perfect little pockets of joy. The melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with fruit preserves is simply heavenly.
Make them in different shapes – squares, triangles, or circles. The key is sealing the edges well to prevent jam leakage during baking!
4. Hamantaschen Triangles
Originally made for the Jewish holiday Purim, these triangular treats have become beloved year-round. The three-cornered shape supposedly represents the villain Haman’s hat.
Traditional fillings include poppy seed and prune, but any jam works beautifully. The dough has a hint of orange zest for extra flavor.
5. Italian Jam Crostata Cookies
Mini versions of the classic Italian tart that bring big flavor! The lattice top creates a beautiful pattern while letting the vibrant jam peek through.
Use a sturdy dough with a bit of cornmeal for authentic texture. Fig or apricot preserves offer a sophisticated flavor profile that adults especially appreciate.
6. Jam Dot Butter Cookies
Simple yet satisfying butter cookies with a cheerful jam center. The rich, vanilla-scented dough forms the perfect backdrop for whatever jam you fancy.
Make them extra special by using homemade preserves. The small size makes them dangerously poppable – you’ll want to eat more than one!
7. Cream Cheese Jam Pockets
The tangy cream cheese dough creates a perfect contrast to sweet jam fillings. Unlike regular cookie dough, this one bakes up tender and slightly flaky.
Roll the dough thin and cut into squares. Add a dollop of jam, fold over corners, and seal. The result is part cookie, part mini-pastry!
8. Raspberry Almond Thumbprints
Ground almonds in the dough add wonderful texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements raspberry jam. The subtle crunch contrasts beautifully with the smooth jam center.
Roll the dough balls in sliced almonds before making the thumbprint. When baked, they’ll have an elegant, bakery-worthy appearance.
9. Coconut Jam Drop Cookies
Shredded coconut gives these jam-centered cookies tropical flair and delightful texture. The edges get slightly crispy while the interior stays soft and chewy.
Try filling with exotic jams like mango or passion fruit! The sweet coconut flavor creates a mini vacation for your taste buds, no matter what jam you choose.
10. Lemon Curd Cookie Cups
While not technically jam, homemade lemon curd makes an incredible cookie filling! Press cookie dough into mini muffin tins to create perfect little cups.
After baking, fill with bright yellow lemon curd. The buttery cookie shells balance the tangy filling beautifully. Add fresh berries on top for extra pizzazz!
11. Strawberry Jam Sandwich Cookies
Two soft vanilla cookies sandwiching sweet strawberry jam create the ultimate handheld treat. The jam acts as delicious glue between the cookies.
Make them extra special by rolling the edges in colorful sprinkles! Kids go crazy for these, especially when they help with assembly. Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
12. Spiced Jam Crescent Cookies
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make these crescent-shaped cookies perfect for fall and winter. The curved shape showcases the jewel-toned jam beautifully.
Try apple or plum preserves for a cozy flavor profile. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking adds extra sparkle and spice to these festive treats.
13. Oatmeal Jam Bars
Not quite a cookie, not quite a bar – these treats feature a hearty oatmeal base and topping with a generous layer of jam in between. The oats get golden and crispy while protecting the jam center.
Cut into squares or triangles after cooling completely. Berry jams work wonderfully here!
14. Apricot Rugelach Spirals
These Jewish pastry-cookies feature flaky dough wrapped around sweet apricot preserves. The spiral shape creates beautiful layers when sliced.
Traditional rugelach dough contains cream cheese for tenderness. Sprinkle chopped nuts inside with the jam for extra texture and flavor. The golden-brown spirals look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make!
15. Jam-Filled Cookie Cups
Sugar cookie dough pressed into mini muffin tins creates perfect vessels for your favorite jam. The crisp cookie edges contain the gooey center beautifully.
Try using multiple jam flavors for a colorful cookie platter! Add a tiny dollop of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra-special finishing touch.
16. Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Rich chocolate cookies with Nutella hidden inside create an indulgent surprise! The key is freezing Nutella dollops before wrapping dough around them.
When baked, the outside stays firm while the inside gets melty and magical. Sprinkle with sea salt before baking to enhance the chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
17. Nutella Thumbprint Cookies
Traditional thumbprint cookies get a chocolatey upgrade with Nutella filling! The hazelnut spread stays soft even after cooling, creating the perfect bite.
Make the thumbprints extra deep for maximum Nutella goodness. Chopped hazelnuts in the cookie dough enhance the nutty flavor and add wonderful texture contrast.
18. Nutella-Swirled Blondies
Buttery blondie batter marbled with swirls of Nutella creates a cookie bar that’s impossible to resist! The vanilla-forward base perfectly complements the chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Use a knife to create beautiful patterns before baking. Cut into triangles instead of squares for an elegant presentation that showcases the swirls.
19. Nutella-Filled Sandwich Cookies
Two crisp sugar cookies with Nutella spread in between create a simple yet satisfying treat. The key is making the cookies thin enough to create the perfect cookie-to-Nutella ratio.
Roll the edges in chopped hazelnuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and visual appeal. These keep well in lunch boxes!
20. Nutella-Stuffed Crescent Cookies
Flaky crescent-shaped cookies with Nutella hiding inside deliver delightful surprise with every bite! The contrast between the buttery pastry and rich filling is simply magical.
Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a snow-capped appearance. The crescents look fancy but are surprisingly easy to shape – perfect for impressing guests!