Gluten Free Peanut Butter Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Prep: 10 minCook: 11 min12 cookiesmediumAmerican
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Classic thumbprint cookies made naturally gluten-free with just four simple ingredients plus jam. The peanut butter creates a tender, chewy base while berry preserves add bright fruity sweetness in each center. Perfect for gluten-free households, potlucks, or anyone wanting an easy cookie that comes together in one bowl. These cookies firm up beautifully as they cool and keep well for snacking throughout the week.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 cookies
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
    almond butter1:1nut-allergy

    changes flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup white sugar
    brown sugar1:1sweetener

    adds deeper molasses flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon triple berry fruit preserves

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. 2

    Stir together peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in medium bowl until thoroughly combined

  3. 3

    Roll dough into 1 inch balls using hands and place 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheet

  4. 4

    Press small shallow indentation in top of each ball using thumb

  5. 5

    Stir fruit preserves vigorously in small bowl if too thick to thin consistency

  6. 6

    Fill center of each cookie with fruit preserves

  7. 7

    Bake for 8 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned, do not overbake

  8. 8

    Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes until set before transferring to wire rack to cool completely

Tips

Tip 1

If preserves are too thick to work with, stir vigorously to thin the consistency before filling cookies.

Tip 2

Avoid overbaking as cookies will continue firming as they cool on the baking sheet.

Good to Know

Storage

airtight container for up to 1 week

Serve With

at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Press thumb gently to avoid cracking dough when making indentations

Watch

Remove from oven when lightly browned to avoid overbaking and hard cookies

Substitutions

triple berry preserves
any jam or jelly1:1dietary

use favorite flavor

white sugar
brown sugar1:1sweetener

adds deeper molasses flavor

Full guide →
creamy peanut butter
almond butter1:1nut-allergy

changes flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, chunky peanut butter works fine and adds nice texture, though the cookies may be slightly less smooth.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze these thumbprint cookies?

Yes, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer bags, thaw at room temperature before serving.